Compact lenslet-array-based holographic correlator/convolver

Although electronic systems continue to shrink in size, optical processors, particularly correlators/convolvers, remain relatively bulky. Here a compact holographic correlator/convolver, based on the use of multiple lenslet arrays, is presented. This compact lenslet-array holographic correlator/convolver approach offers most of the advantages of conventional optical correlators, including fully parallel high-speed operation, yet its physical size is comparable with that of monolithic optoelectronic units such as VLSI spatial light modulators and CCD's. Thus hybrid optoelectronic systems based on the lenslet-array holographic correlator/convolver (pattern recognition, optically interconnected computers, artificial neural networks, etc.) can be both compact and fast.