Arrangement for optical image processing

• US 4,786,149 A
• Filed: 05/20/1987
• Issued: 11/22/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 05/22/1986
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Siemens AG
• Original Assignee: Siemens AG
• Inventors: Hoenig, Eckhardt, Lischke, Burkhard
• Primary Examiner(s): LaRoche, Eugene R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SHINGLETON, MICHAEL B
• Application Number:
  US07/052,548
• Time in Patent Office: 552 Days
• Field of Search: 350/162.12, 350/266, 350/272, 350/359, 350/360, 350/356, 332/7.51
• US Class Current: 359/290
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/02 for controlling the intensity of light G02B26/004 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/46 Systems using spatial filters
• CPC Class Codes: G06E 3/005 using electro-optical or opto-electronic means

Abstract

For electro-optical image conversion as well as for optical image processing by spatial filtering, a two-dimensional optical filter is provided which comprises a microstructured grid, the openings of which are designed as a matrix of windows, the windows being provided with electrostatically movable thin-film closures. The window openings are controlled by electrostatic charges which are provided by an electron beam. This matrix of light valves can preferably be used as a electro-optical converter as well as a Fourier filter in an optical computer.

Claims

1. An arrangement for optical image processing by spatial filtering, particularly for converting electronic image information into optical image information and for Fourier transformation, comprising a two-dimensional optical filter comprising a microstructured grid having windows, the windows being provided with electrostatically movable thin-film terminations, and further comprising electron beam means for controlling the position of the thin-film terminations thereby opening and closing the windows.

2. The arrangement recited in claim 1, wherein the grid comprises a carrier provided with a microstructured matrix of window openings having thin-film closures, said thin film closures comprising metal film means which are connected to ribs of the windows in an electrically insulating manner and being arranged self-supportingly above the opening of the windows and being movable by electrostatic charging in the direction of a normal to the film.

3. The arrangement recited in claim 2, wherein the films comprise amorphous metal films.

4. The arrangement recited in claim 1, wherein the filter is associated with an electrostatic auxiliary grid for controlling the total opening of the windows.