Realisation of a smart-pixel parallel optoelectronic computing system

Initial experimental results are presented from the realisation of a smart-pixel based general purpose parallel optoelectronic processor. A single chip array of integrated processing elements and photodetectors is optically interconnected with a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser array. We give examples of some algorithms the system can perform. Compact gradient index lenses are utilised and we compare their performance with conventional imaging systems.