Abstract
The most current research and development in optical signal
processing and its applications at Essex Corporation is summarized. In
progress for more than a decade, this work has evolved from the development
of highly specialized algorithms for the intelligence community to
more general domains embracing such diverse areas as radar signal
processing, medical ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging,
acoustic tomography, and cellular and satellite communications. Essex
develops algorithms and designs, fabricates, and tests breadboard designs
and transforms these into rugged, compact products for use in
harsh environments. Descriptions of the most important investigations in
these areas are presented. An image synthesizer called ImSyn™ is described
that forms images from the measured spatial Fourier components
of the object to be imaged. Applications to synthetic aperture radar,
acoustic tomography, medical resonance imaging, and synthetic aperture
microscopy are shown. An acousto-optic radar signal processor is
described that can produce high-resolution, high-dynamic range range-
Doppler maps from instantaneously wideband radar returns. A design for
a fiber optic true-time delay beamformer is presented. Finally, an optoelectronic
telecommunications switch is discussed.
