A Real-Time Correlation-Based Data Processing System for Interferometric Signals

Abstract

A relatively simple dedicated hardware processor is described that allows the real-time processing of interferogram signals as generated by a Fourier transform spectrometer. The heart of the processing system is a multiplier-accumulator chip. With this chip and a small support microcomputer, interferograms can be processed with the use of cross-correlation techniques. Application of the system to the processing of interferograms from an atomic emission source in the ultraviolet is briefly illustrated.