An Optical Incoherent Correlator

Abstract

This paper will discuss a technique for cross-correlating a one-dimensional input signal with a library of stored reference signals simultaneously. The technique involves the linear scanning of a temporally-modulated image of a photographic reference mask across a temporally-integrating read-out device. First, a physical feeling for the technique is given, followed by a mathematical analysis, a description of a breadboard system now in operation, a simple experiment to demonstrate the correlators features, and a mention of some alternate configurations desirable for specific applications.