Birefringent encoding and multichannel reflective correlator for optical array logic

A simple image encoding method and a flexible correlator for optical array logic are presented. The encoding method uses the birefringence phenomenon and produces spatial code patterns in parallel for all pixels in two input images. The flexible correlator is composed of a multichannel illuminating system and a segmented reflector, which executes flexible correlation for optical array logic. Using the proposed encoding method together with this correlator, an efficient optical array logic processor capable of executing various parallel neighborhood operations can be constructed.