Microoptically integrated correlators for security applications

The application of planar-integrated optical correlators for the verification of optical security features is demonstrated. Such optical readout and verification devices will become necessary in order to keep up a high standard of security. To this end complex information needs to be encoded in the optical security features which is then verified automatically by suitable optical readout devices. In order to maintain the flexibility in everyday use such devices need to be compact, lightweight, and stable. Planar-integrated optical systems are shown to be well suited for this application.