Programmable optical parallel processor based upon polarization modulation: cascade operations

The architectural considerations and experimental results of a new optical parallel are presented. An array logic concept is introduced as the building blocks of the processor. The processor performs programmable logic operations. Polarization modulation and spatial separation of the modulated light, together with the operation kernel, are keys to programmability for any Boolean logic operation. The operation kernel determines the logic operation to be executed according to instructions simply by spatially filtering encoded light. Real-time programmable cascade logic operations for three patterns are demonstrated experimentally using a liquid crystal spatial light modulator as the operation kernel.