This paper focuses on the implementation of a nonlinear optical correlator in a 4f configuration. The system exploits the Kerr effect, specifically four-wave mixing, to enable the correlation and convolution of multiple optical fields composed of different objects in a single clock cycle. This approach offers a simpler implementation than other correlation systems, eliminating the need for counterpropagating waves and complex phase matching conditions. It exhibits both low-intensity correlation operations and high-intensity geometric images in its image plane, requiring the use of obstruction masks for optimal contrast. Experimental results confirm the feasibility of the concept, especially for applications in matrix multiplication and instantaneous optical processing operations.

本文重点介绍 4f 配置中非线性光学相关器的实现。该系统利用克尔效应，特别是四波混频，在单个时钟周期内实现由不同物体组成的多个光场的相关和卷积。这种方法提供了比其他相关系统更简单的实现，消除了对反向传播波和复杂的相位匹配条件的需要。它在图像平面上展示低强度相关操作和高强度几何图像，需要使用障碍掩模以获得最佳对比度。实验结果证实了该概念的可行性，特别是对于矩阵乘法和瞬时光学处理操作的应用。