The use of multiplexed holographic filters in coherent optical processors

The demand for on-line vision systems capable of performing image analysis at high throughput is steadily increasing. Major application fields are quality assurance (QA) and automated assembly or production lines. Currently available systems rely heavily on digital image processing techniques to perform the necessary tasks. The data processing capability of analogue coherent optical processors (COPs) is far superior to that of digital systems. However the applications of COPs is severely limited by the shortage of high resolution and high speed electro-optic data input devices. The authors present the results of their studies of the different approaches of improving the flexibility of COPs in order to gain their acceptance in industrial QA tasks. Performances of bleached MSFs produced by different processing methods are also compared