Multifunctional processors of acousto-optic signal processing

The parallel processing of the information in real time is very important in the field of computing, pattern recognition, and signal processing. Acousto-optical techniques are particularly interesting from these applications point of view, due to the high degree of parallel processing and broad bandwidth inherent in optical systems. The Bragg cell is the extremely versatile device and may act in combination as a variable pitch diffraction grating, optically taped delay line, single side band mixer, light amplitude modulator and sometimes as an optical polarization switch. This gamut of application possibilities has allowed to develop numerous optical architectures and multifunctional acousto-optic facilities.