Environmental Research Institute of Michigan

US Government as Represented by the Secretary of the Army

Carl C Aleksoff

Nikola Stevan Subotic

Anthony M Tai

Charles R Christensen

Nickolas P Vlannes

Nickolas P Viannes

This invention is a compact optical processor including a coherent light source, plural optical elements that together form a Fourier transform interferometer, and a two dimensional detector array. The light source generates a two dimensional input optical wavefront intensity modulated according to the input signal. The optical elements are formed as slab-like members with parallel input and output surfaces. These optical elements are disposed abutting in tandem. The light detecting device includes a two dimensional array of photosensitive elements generating an image signal corresponding to the processed two dimensional optical wavefront. The plural optical elements preferably include at least one acousto-optical element forming a two dimensional scanner. The plural optical elements may further includes a holographic optical element to block light undiffracted by the scanning elements. The plurality of optical elements may include a modified Kosters interferometer with a beam splitter and two orthogonally disposed roof prisms. The optical processor may operate on plural input signals on separate wavelengths employing sets dichroic beam splitters to assemble and separate plural wavelengths from separate point sources.

Compact optical processor

The invention is a method for obtaining fringe visibility in hybrid-optical interferometric processors. Encoded data defining an image is utilized to provide both a timing input signal and a method of modulating a light source in synchronization with the modulation of an optical-acoustical element. The modulated light is then detected in a receptor array and converted into signals suitable for driving a readable, visual-imaging device or other devices for image analysis.

Method of fringe-freezing of images in hybrid-optical interferometric

The invention is a method for obtaining fringe visibility in hybrid-optical interferometric processors. Encoded data defining an image is utilized to provide both a timing input signal and a method of modulating a light source in synchronization with the modulation of an optical-acoustical element. The modulated light is then detected in a receptor array and converted into signals suitable for driving a readable, visual-imaging device.

An optical signal processor operating on interferometric principles serves to perform real time Fourier transformations on the intensity distribution of one-dimensional incoherent input light sources.

Incoherent optical processor

The Doppler frequency shift of coherent light reflected from moving objects is used to obtain resolution much greater than the classical limit for imaging systems. The Doppler information is processed by using the temporal and spatial filtering properties of modulated reference wave holograms formed with a reference wave having a range of frequencies across it matching the Doppler frequencies received from the moving object.

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Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Carl C Aleksoff