A matched filter optical processor is described that is compact, lightweight, and operates in real time. The use of lightweight reflection hologram lenses as the Fourier transforming elements allows for compact folded light paths. The holographic optical elements were designed and analyzed using a holographic optics ray-tracing computer program (HOAD). It was predicted that compact holographic optics can perform satisfactorily for input imagery of moderate space-bandwidth product; high performance can be achieved if longer focal lengths (1 meter) are allowed. A photoconductor-thermoplastic (PTP) device at the input plane of the processor provides for real-time data insertion. Data is scanned or imaged from an incoherent source onto the PTP device, which forms a phase recording that modulates the coherent illumination at the processor input. The PTP device operates in real-time and can be erased and reused many times. Compact optical processors of the type described are particularly well suited to applications such as space vehicle data processing or terrain-matching for terminal guidance.
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