Multireference Binary Phase-Only Filter Optimized by Regions of Support

A new formulation of a multiplex filter for filtering-based optical processors, based on the VanderLugt architecture, is presented. The multireference binary phase-only filter (MBPOF), optimized by regions of support (ROS), constitutes a formal rewriting of some multiplex or composite filters including optimization functions, such as the distribution function and the selection function. The first function optimizes the multiplexing of references into the multireference filter. The second function defines the ROS of an object ?s Fourier spectrum and can be independently used to optimize the conventional binary phase-only filter. Both functions A result from a segmentation of the Fourier plane. The MBPOF with ROS can be optically implemented in a filtering-based optical processor owing to a binary-phase spatial light modulator. Simulation and optical results are given for different examples of the BPOF and the MBPOF, both with ROS optimizing different criteria of performance, such as peak-tocorrelation energy, discrimination capability, and distortion sensitivity.