Real-Time and Memory Correlation via Acousto-Optic Processing,
Abstract
The requirements of advanced radar systems, secure communications networks, and signal-warfare concepts place severe strains on the capabilities of presently available analog processing technologies. These applications require real-time processing with large bandwidth and dynamic range. The use of acousto-optic technology as an answer to these requirements appears very attractive. Three fundamental signal-processing schemes using the acousto-optic interaction have been investigated: (i) real-time correlation and convolution, (ii) Fourier and discrete Fourier transformation, and (iii) programmable memory correlation. By combining previously known techniques with newly discovered phenomena, major advances in analog signal processing have been demonstrated. Time-bandwidth products in excess of 10,000 and linear dynamic ranges in excess of 50 dB have been achieved with real-time processors. Using the recently discovered acousto-photorefractive effect, storage of surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) signals in lithium niobate (LiNbO3) has been demonstrated. During the information storage time of up to several months, 'live' signals can be acousto-optically correlated with the stored signals. This storage phenomenon can be used as the basis for a wide variety of new signal-processing architectures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA056411
Entities
People
- Burton J. Udelson
- John N. Lee
- Norman J. Berg
Organizations
- Harry Diamond Laboratories