Abstract

The generation of a two-dimensional linear vector space in a coherent optical data processing system and its specific application to the gradient operator is discussed using theoretical and experimental results. The vector space is created by superposing the outputs of two Fourier optical systems having light of mutually orthogonal polarizations. As a result, the total amplitude of the signal in the output plane is a vector sum of the signals from the systems. If each one of the systems performs one of the partial derivative operations of the transverse gradient, and if the inputs to both systems are identical, then the output is the vector sum of the partial derivatives or the transverse gradient operation. The experimental program is heavily oriented toward the realization of the optimum approximation to the jω_xî and $j{\omega }_y\hat{j}$ filters, rather than using various binary-type filters. Problems with film and lens noise are also discussed.

© 1970 Optical Society of America

Resolution Testing of Coherent Optical Systems by Means of Linear Gratings

D. A. Ansley
Appl. Opt. 9(12) 2746-2752 (1970)

Three-Dimensional Vector Diagrams as an Aid in Analyzing Optical Devices and Systems

E. O. Ammann
Appl. Opt. 9(7) 1683-1690 (1970)

The Optical Convolution of Time Functions

C. S. Weaver, S. D. Ramsey, J. W. Goodman, and A. M. Rosie
Appl. Opt. 9(7) 1672-1682 (1970)

General theory of linear, coherent optical data-processing systems

H. J. Butterweck
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 67(1) 60-70 (1977)

Matrix Multiplication by Optical Methods

R. A. Heinz, J. O. Artman, and S. H. Lee
Appl. Opt. 9(9) 2161-2168 (1970)