Adaptively aligned optical correlator and method
US6330361A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 16, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 16, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06E3/005
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An improved optical correlator using a coherent light beam employs a method of adaptive alignment. A test pattern modulates an input spatial light modulator. The modulated beam propagates through passive transforming optical elements to a filter spatial light modulator, which is simultaneously modulated with an independently transformed frequency domain reference. The resulting correlation or coincidence of the optically transformed pattern with the independently transformed reference is processed to yield a feedback signal indicative of any optical misalignment of the optical correlator. The feedback signal drives a beam deflector to compensate by adjusting the path of the coherent beam, thereby improving and maintaining optical alignment of the correlator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.