Iterative Fourier approach for describing linear, multiple plane, coherent optical processors

Abstract

In this paper it is shown that the formal mathematical description of a quite general, multiplane, coherent, optical processor can always be reduced to an iterative Fourier transform and multiply procedure. In orderto write the system description in this manner, only suitable notational changes are needed. The principaladvantage of this alternate form is that more tractable models result for system synthesis. In particular, one may investigate the feasibility of performing any given linear operation in an optical processor systemby exploring the realizability through simple Fourier trans form and multiply operations. Examples of current processors, including ambiguity functions, and advanced processor concepts are given.