Hybrid processing systems—An assessment

The potential of hybrid processing systems is reviewed. The specific systems discussed involve the combination of coherent optical, electrooptical, electronic, and digital subsystems. In particular, progress in diffraction-pattern analysis is reviewed when the diffraction pattern is produced optically, detected, and then operated on electronically. The second type of system is the optical processing system, in which the diffraction pattern is appropriately changed to produce a modified image of the original input. Input transducers, addressable filters, and detection and logic subsystems are key elements of these systems.