Device specific modelling of the nonlinear joint transform correlator using LCLV

Introduces a real-time nonlinear device such as a liquid crystal light valve (LCLV) which serves as a detector as well as a nonlinear threshold device. Unlike other previous methods, no optic-to-electronic-to-optic conversion is necessary, since the function of the square law detector is performed by the LCLV as required by joint Fourier transform. Nonlinearity was introduced via an optically addressable spatial light modulator in the joint transform correlator in an attempt to improve the relatively poor cross-correlation peak power as compared to the DC power. The nonlinearity was modeled using a curve-fitting technique and then the whole system was modeled in a computer. The simulation results are compared with the experimental results