Spatial Pulse Modulation

Abstract

Pulse modulation of electronic time signals is a well-proven concept, particularly in the context of data communications and computers. We suggest that pulse modulation of spatial optical signals might be another fruitful concept. The optical components and optical methods for performing the necessary operations for spatial pulse modulation are available. We demonstrate this experimentally by encoding a two-dimensional analog signal (an image) into a one-dimensional pulse signal. This might be of interest in connection with picture transmission over electronic channels, with cinematography, and with holography.