Compact real-time interferometric Fourier transform processors

The spatially-scanning, 2D, time-integrating hybrid interferometric processors presented employ directly-modulated CW laser diodes as input sources and are applicable to complex SAR data processing in real time. Crossed acoustooptic cells scan the input signal over a virtual 2D input space, and an optical interference pattern is detected with a solid-state detector array camera. Continuous transfer of the frames of integrated interference from the camera to a digital image processor, overall dynamic range is increased over that of the camera alone. Envelope detection in the display circuitry generates a continuous real-time representation of image magnitude.