Optical Correlators

High speed pattern recognition using coherent light

Pattern recognition is an important part of image analysis, allowing one to classify observed data into one of many previously determined classes. An optical correlator is an automated system that rapidly assesses the features of an observed image (size, shape, brightness, orientation, position, etc.), classifies the results, and makes a decision based on those results. An optical correlator is very different from a standard digital image processor, which serially processes bytes of data to compare imagery. In contrast, an optical correlator processes full images in parallel using a laser and the inherent optical Fourier Transform property to extract information of interest. With the advent of very high resolution (100 lp/mm), high speed (1000 fps), large format (1024x1024) Spatial Light Modulators (SLMs), massive digital processors can be replaced with compact optical systems.

Boulder Nonlinear Systems (BNS) has been a leader in the development of optical correlators. During this time, BNS has produced a series of high frame rate SLM components. In addition, BNS has delivered correlators for diverse applications, such as target tracking and identification, GPS data processing, bio-remediation and agricultural inspection. The resulting re-programmable electro-optic processing platform can act as a real-time data compression engine, an intelligent event alert system, or an on-the-fly data classification tool.