Noise reduction in pulse-code-modulated images by optical regenerative repeaters

Abstract Digital signal transmission in electronic communication links provides the possibility of periodic reshaping of the electronic pulses by so-called regenerative repeaters, thereby keeping the signal above the noise level. This concept of noise minimization is applied to the optical transmission of pulse-coded images. Optical elements are described which correspond to the regenerative repeaters used in electronic transmission systems. They are based on holographic as well as incoherent methods. Examples illustrating the basic idea are provided.