PROGRAMMABLE MULTISTAGE LENSLESS OPTICAL DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM

摘要

A programmable optical data processor is described as an apparatus for processing an optical data beam comprising a plurality of zero, one and two-dimensional modulators for spatially modulating the optical data beam, means for the lensless interconnection of each of the modulators to provide for the focusless transfer of the optical data beam between the modulators, and means for controlling the plurality of modulators so as to permit the programmable processing of the optical data beam. The optical data processor realized is physically solid and compact and is readily capable of performing a wide variety of optical computations.