Abstract

Coherent optical data processing (CODP)¹ offers many potential advantages in image processing as well as in the processing of wide bandwidth electrical signals. This technology has heretofore been limited by the need for a fast high-resolution realtime spatial light modulator (SLM).^2,3 These devices function to impose on a coherent optical beam a 2-D image that is derived from either an incoherent optical source (photoactivated SLM) or directly from a properly formatted electrical input signal. The first of these tasks can be accomplished with the photoactivated HYFEM liquid crystal light valve (LCLV)^4,5 described previously. This type of device operates in conjunction with an optical input source such as a CRT or a laser scanner to provide a real-time coherent output image.

© 1981 Optical Society of America