Optical Information Processing in a Confocal Fabry-Perot Resonator
Abstract
Many optical information processing algorithms require feedback to perform iterative processing. An algorithm which exemplifies the requirement for feedback is the optical associative memory. This thesis explores the theoretical design of an optical associative memory in a confocal Fabry-Perot resonator. The components of the optical associative memory-BATiO3 crystals, confocal resonator, and holographic plates-are characterized individually to determine the feasibility of implementing the associative memory. The BATiO3 crystals are characterized for processing functions such as image amplification, edge enhancement, linear and nonlinear gain, and linear and nonlinear attenuation. Unique 45 degree-cut BaTiO3 crystals are investigated in two -wave coupling experiments. The 45 degree-cut crystals did not perform as expected, and their performance points to a need to improve the mathematical model of two-wave coupling to include the effects of beam-fanning. The sensitivity of the confocal resonator to mechanical vibrations and air currents were learned along with methods to overcome these problems and align/stabilize the resonator. The BaTiO3 crystals were placed within the resonator to perform qualitative analysis on the crystals. Within the resonator, it was verified that the 45 degree crystal does have more gain potential than the z-cut crystal. Experiments with the holographic plates at the 1-3 degree angles necessary for the confocal resonator show a diffraction efficiency of 12%. Theses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA202566
Entities
People
- Jeffery A. Wilson
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology