Abstract: A high capacity (1 Gbyte), high throughput (1.1 Gbyte/s) motionless-head parallel-readout optical disk, and a detector array integrated on substrate with an Si/PLZT Exclusive-NOR gate array, implement a fast retrieval (25 ms) associative memory/content addressable memory capable of 10.sup.10 bit-operations per second. The disk stores arrayed 1-D holograms, preferably computer-generated from 128.times.128 pixel images by Fourier transform. Reverse transform upon disk readout is by lenses, preferably by a single hybrid refractive/diffractive lens. The reconstituted 2-D image, or optical word, is detected and compared to an electrical data word in an fast integrated optoelectronic circuit. The circuit permits (i) a variably preset "match" detection threshold, and (ii) dynamically variable, sub-image, field size of the search. In a first mode of operation all images (or sub-images) that are sufficiently close to a preset query threshold are retrieved in one disk rotation.

Abstract: A pseudo-analog electronic or optoelectronic neuron stores synaptic weights as analog quantities, preferably as charges upon capacitors or upon the gates of floating gate transistors. Multiplication of a stored synaptic weight times a binary pulse-width-modulated synapse input signal periodically produces electrical charge of a first polarity on a first synapse capacitor. Meanwhile a fixed charge of opposite polarity is periodically produced at the same frequency upon another, second, synapse capacitor. The charges on both synapse capacitors at many synapses are periodically accumulated, and integrated, at a single neuron soma in the form of pulse-amplitude-modulated charge-encoded signals. This accumulation, and integration, transpires continuously progressively by a switched-capacitor technique, and during the entire duration of the input signal to each synapse. The net final result, expressed in signed electrical charge, is converted back to a PWM binary signal for transmission to further neurons.

Abstract: Selected domains, normally 10.sup.3 .times.10.sup.3 such domains arrayed in a plane, within a three-dimensional (3-D) volume of active medium, typically 1 cm.sup.3 of spirobenzopyran containing 10.sup.2 such planes, are temporally and spatially simultaneously illuminated by two radiation beams, normally laser light beams in various combinations of wavelengths 532nm and 1024nm, in order, dependent upon the particular combination of illuminating light, to either write binary data to, or read binary data from, the selected domains by process of two-photon (2-P) absorption. One laser light beam is preferably directed to illuminate all domains of the selected plane in and by a one-dimensional spatial light modular (1-D SLM). The other laser light beam is first spatially encoded with binary information by 2-D SLM, and is then also directed to illuminate the domains of the selected plane.

Abstract: A parallel architecture matrix algebraic processing system exhibits patterns of arrayed (i) light transmitters and (ii) light receivers that are identical, but at differing scales. Planar arrays of one or more optoelectronic processors--principally semiconductor chips or chip arrays--having both computational and light input/output capabilities optically communicate from one plane to the next through free-space space-invariant optical data distributions--principally lenses and computer-generated holograms--having both replication and distribution capabilities. Each optoelectronic processor, or OP, consists of a number of arrayed optoelectronic processing elements, or OPEs. The OPEs, in turn, typically consist of a number of optoelectronic sub-processing units are preferably electrically interconnected in a tree-based structure, preferably an H-tree. Leaf units include typically one light detector plus local memory, logic circuitry, and electrical input/output.

Abstract: A motionless parallel head reads an optical disk having an active surface encoded with an arrayed multiplicity of one-dimensional holograms. Each 1-D hologram is a computer-encoded representation of, typically, one 128 pixel slice of an image. A group, typically 128, 1-D holograms are positionally distributed, and positionally shifted or staggered one to the next, radially along the disk's active surface so as to fit a complete radius. Typically 14,000 groups are circumferentially-displaced around a 51/4" Compact Disk (CD), forming a herringbone pattern. During readout the encoded CD is simultaneously illuminated along the entirety of one of its radius lines within which a group of holographic data blocks are fitted.

Abstract: An active medium, typically a photochromic material and more typically spirbenzopyran, maintained in a three-dimensional matrix, typically of polymer, is illuminated in selected regions by two UV laser light beams, typically of 532 nm. and 1064 nm. wavelength, to change from a first, spiropyran, to a second, merocyanine, stable molecular isomeric form by process of two-photon absorption. Regions not temporally and spatially coincidently illuminated are unchanged. Later illumination of the selected regions by two green-red laser light beams, typically of 1064 nm wavelength each, causes only the second, merocyanine, isomeric form to fluoresce. This fluorescence is detectable by photodetectors as stored binary data. The three-dimensional memory may be erased by heat, or by infrared radiation, typically 2.12 microns wavelength. Use of other medium permit the three-dimensional patterning of three-dimensional forms, such as polystyrene polymer solids patterned from liquid styrene monomer.

Abstract: An ornamental Christmas light decorating system containing one or more clusters of flashing lights, which can be shaped by a user and attached to various surfaces. The clusters provide a perception of directional movement or chasing of light.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for producing electro-optic components with transparent, ferroelectric PLZT (perovskite) film characteristics, without lead diffusion. In particular, the fabrication of PLZT-on-sapphire electro-optic components for devices such as spatial light modulators, integrated infrared detectors, and optoelectronic integrated circuits is disclosed, permitting integration of such devices with semiconductor devices having the same substrate, such as silicon-on-sapphire circuits. The system comprises a PLZT film deposition apparatus, a silicon dioxide deposition apparatus, an annealing apparatus, and an optional plasma etching apparatus. During film deposition, material from a PLZT target (source) of suitable (9/65/35) composition is deposited on the substrate and is epitaxially grown on the R-plane (1102) of the substrate, forming a non-ferroelectric, pyrochloric film. The substrate and film are then placed in a silicon dioxide (SiO.sub.2) deposition chamber where SiO.sub.