High accuracy computation with linear analog optical systems: a critical study

High accuracy optical processors based on the algorithm of digital multiplication by analog convolution (DMAC) are studied for ultimate performance limitations. Variations of optical processors that perform high accuracy vector–vector inner products are studied in abstract and with specific examples. It is concluded that the use of linear analog optical processors in performing digital computations with DMAC leads to impractical requirements for the accuracy of analog optical systems and the complexity of postprocessing electronics.