Patent ID: 6603536
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: G01S,G02B,G06E

Abstract:
A hybrid processor for detecting a target in an intermediate frequency (IF) signal, the hybrid processor comprising:a correlator RF drive module receiving the IF signal, the correlator RF drive module configured and arranged to up-convert the IF signal into a correlator drive signal having a correlator frequency and to bandlimit the correlator drive signal; an optical spectrum analyzer/correlator including a laser source providing a laser beam; an acousto-optical Bragg cell having a modulator input coupled to the correlator RF drive module and receiving the correlator drive signal therefrom; collimating optics disposed between the laser source and the acousto optical Bragg cell the collimating optics configured and arranged to collimate the laser beam and to provide a collimated laser beam, the acousto-optical Bragg cell disposed to receive the collimated laser beam; the acousto-optical Bragg cell responsive to the correlator drive signal by diffracting the collimated laser beam, the acousto-optical Bragg cell providing a plurality of diffracted output light beams and an undiffracted output light beam; an optical system configured and arranged to receive the plurality of diffracted light beams and to Fourier transform the plurality of diffracted light beams and further configured and arranged to image the plurality of the diffracted light beams onto an image plane; an integrating optical detector array including a plurality of photodetectors, the optical photodetector array disposed within the image plane and providing a plurality of output signals each corresponding to the output of one of the plurality of photodetectors; an optical processor coupled to the integrating optical detector array and receiving the plurality of output signals therefrom, the optical processor operative to process the plurality of output signals to detect a target, wherein the optical processor provides a cue signal upon the detection of a target.