All-Optical Associative Memory based on a Nonresonant Cavity with Image Bearing Beams

Abstract

A new configuration of an all-optical, nonlinear holographic associative memory [1] is investigated. A multistable, content-addressable cavity is used, that performs image comparison, discrimination and read-out in one step. The required nonlinear processes are obtained by using a combination of a photorefractive KNbO3 crystal and a nematic liquid crystal (NLC) in a feedback configuration with several beams.