Fully complex filter implementation in all-optical and hybrid digital/optical correlators

摘要

A technique for the experimental implementation of fully complex filters with commercially available spatial light modulators (SLMs) is reported. The filters are incorporated into an all-optical correlator and a hybrid digital-optical correlator, the relative merits of each configuration being considered. Various filter functions requiring complex modulation are demonstrated, consideration being given to the degradation of filter performance due to the limited quantisation and dynamic range with which they can be implemented using current SLM technology.