Compact Real-Time Coherent Optical Correlators

Abstract
Efforts to fabricate real-time optical correlators in compact packages are under way. In particular, a brassboard unit mounted inside a 15 X23 X28 cm enclosure featuring laser diode light sources and a liquid crystal incoherent-to-coherent image converter has been built; operational experience with this correlator is discussed. Further miniaturization is possible, and some suggested geometries are examined in detail.