The hybrid opto-electronic correlator (HOC) uses a combination of optics and electronics to perform target recognition. Achieving a stable output from this architecture has previously presented a significant challenge due to a high sensitivity to optical phase variations, limiting the real-world feasibility of the device. Here we present a modification to the architecture that essentially eliminates the dependence on optical phases, and demonstrate verification of the proposed approach. Experimental results are shown to agree with the theory and simulations, for scale, rotation and shift invariant image recognition. This approach represents a major innovation in making the HOC viable for real-world applications.

Distance estimation is an important yet challenging part of any tracking system, as being able to quickly locate an object in 3D space allows for the automated targeting of communication, delivery, and interception systems, as well as providing important telemetry about fast moving objects. A monocular passive ranging system is defined as that which only requires one observation point through which it measures some outside signal to estimate range. The approach presented here simultaneously observes the intensity of light emitted by the target at three wavelength bands with ~10nm FWHM, centered at 750, 762, and 780 nm. The light is separated using a PQ:PMMA holographic optical element (HOE) configured as a wavelength division demultiplexer. Light at the two outer bands experiences negligible absorption in the atmosphere, while light at ~762 nm is strongly absorbed by O2. By comparing the intensity of the two unabsorbed bands, we may interpolate the expected intensity of the 762 nm band if there is no O2 in the path. This is then used in conjunction with the 762 nm band measurement to approximate the total O2 transmissivity. Finally, Beer’s law and the HITRAN database provide us with the tools to convert a transmissivity into a distance estimation. The use of an HOE is pivotal in the practicality of such a system, as it allows us to measure all three signals simultaneously, thus eliminating the effects of turbulence and reducing overall noise.

Volume holographic optical elements (HOEs) are of great interest for dense information storage and optical processing such as wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and angle multiplexing. There are numerous theoretical frameworks that attempt to model and test diffraction from a holographic grating, among the most prominent of which is Kogelnik’s coupled-wave theory, which applies to thick holograms. However, diffraction from grating geometries resulting from interference among more than two wave-vectors is difficult to model mathematically. In particular, gratings formed from converging or diverging beams present curved profiles that vary with the position inside the material. One approach to analyze these types of holographic gratings is to use a finite element method (FEM) to search for a steady-state solution for the wave equation of a beam propagating through, and diffracting from, the grating. Such a method will necessarily be computationally intensive given that the simulation will require a resolution smaller than the reading wavelength but will encompass a large volume, as is required for a thick hologram. Current technology has enabled this approach to be a viable alternative to traditional modeling. Here, we present the results of an FEM analysis using the COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0 computer program to simulate the diffraction of holographic gratings with non-trivial profiles. The results enable us to more accurately design volume HOEs with non-planar profiles such as lenses, WDM, etc., to achieve better Bragg selectivity and overall higher performance.

We show the feasibility of efficiently performing optical cross-correlations of 1D time-domain signals by transforming them into 2D signals through their spectrograms. The resulting images are compatible with current spatial light modulator resolutions.

We report on off-axis operation of the hybrid opto-electronic correlator whereby the scale, rotation and shift invariant image recognition process becomes insensitive to variations in optical path lengths, thus making it extremely robust against vibrations.