Compact optical associative memory

A unique associative memory architecture is presented that combines the compact optical processing environment of a Fabry-Perot confocal resonator with the dynamic storage and recall properties of volume holograms. The architecture also eliminates the need for electronic or opto-electronic processing elements through the use of photorefractive gain and attenuation devices. Initial experimental results show the system is capable of recalling a complete object from memory when presented with a partial version of the object.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.