Complex encoding of rotation-invariant filters onto a single phase-only spatial light modulator

The accuracy and flexibility of the technique proposed by Davis et al. [Appl. Opt. 35, 2488 (1996)] for the encoding of the amplitude and the phase of a filter onto a single liquid-crystal spatial light modulator operating in a phase-only regime has been exploited to implement several filter designs in a convergent optical correlator. We have selected some filters, that given their mathematical structure showing some degree of rotational invariance, or having a parameter to regulate their behavior, require a more precise encoding. We present correlation results of outstanding quality for various rotationally invariant filter designs that have never been previously implemented with a real-time optical correlator. © 2003 Optical Society of America.