Abstract

The inherent translational invariance of a VanderLugt optical correlator makes it attractive for use in target identification and tracking applications. The optical correlator is, however, hampered by its sensitivity to changes in target scale or aspect. Many methods for increasing the memory of the correlator have been proposed, such as large arrays of filters, multiplexing several filters, or a combination of the two solutions. If a large array is used, some method for quickly addressing that array must be employed. The ability of a 1-D acoustooptic beam deflector to address a linear array of six matched filters in real time has been demonstrated. The results of research into using a 2-D acoustooptic beam deflector to address a 2-D array of matched filters are presented. These results include a comparison of the experimental and theoretical values of the diffraction efficiency and deflection angle as functions of frequency. The maximum sweep rate obtained for a 5 × 5 array of filters, as well as an evaluation of the filter array performance, are also presented.

© 1988 Optical Society of America