John Patrick Fine

US Patent:

49327410, Jun 12, 1990

Filed:

Jul 20, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/221992

Inventors:

Benjamin J. Pernick - New York NY
John V. Fine - Goose Creek SC

Assignee:

Grumman Aerospace Corporation - Bethpage NY

International Classification:

G02B 532
G02B 2742

US Classification:

350 373

Abstract:

An optical correlator system, comprising a laser to generate a signal beam, an image means located in the path of the signal beam to spatially modulate the signal beam, and first and second matched filters. A multiple beam generating holographic lens is located in the path of the modulated signal beam to partially transmit the signal beam and to deflect a first matrix of replicas of the signal beam onto the first matched filter. A mirror is located in the path of the partially transmitted signal beam to reflect that transmitted beam back to the holographic lens, which deflects a second matrix of replicas of the signal beam onto the second matched filter. With an alternate embodiment, a series of holographic lenses and beam splitters are alternatively arranged along the path of the signal beam. Each holographic lens generates two matrices of beams, with each matrix of beams being focused on an associated matched filter. Each beam splitter partially reflects the signal beam back to the preceding holographic lens, and partially transmits the signal beam to the following holographic lens.