Atoms for Logic
Abstract
This project examined the use of atomic vapors in an optical correlator for pattern recognition. The nonlinear optics of very thin atomic vapors was studied. This work allowed the demonstration of an optical correlator in a thin cesium vapor. This correlator was able to compare patterns of letters as well as random patterns. The patterns can contain up to 10 to the 5th power pixel/cm2 and the correlation is obtained in 10 microseconds. In addition, methods to improve the performance of the optical correlator were investigated. Experiments showed that motion of the atoms during the excited state lifetime of 30 nsec limited the smallest pixel size to about 30 microns. Two methods that were investigated to improve this resolution were the use of buffer gasses to confine the atoms and laser cooling the atoms to reduce their speed. One set of experiments showed that buffer gasses can either quench the excited state lifetime or limited diffusion of the excited state atoms. Another set of experiments began investigation of laser cooling techniques to slow the atomic motion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 13, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA344508
Entities
People
- Randall J. Knize
Organizations
- University of Southern California