Optical and Electronic Design of a Hybrid Digital-optical Correlator System

The design of a digital-optical hybrid correlator is detailed. The design of the optical-Fourier-transform lens and the mechanical lens housing are detailed, as well as the video-rate fast-Fourier-transform digital signal-processing hardware and overall electronic control. Example results using several different filters and modulation techniques are described. © 2002 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers