Abstract: An optical cross bar technique for logic and arithmetic operations utilizes crossed optical paths of light configured to define intersecting regions with each other corresponding to truth table or multi-level logic table inputs. The intensity of light at each intersecting region is discriminated to determine if two units of light intensity are present at each intersection, thereby indicating a particular logic state.

Abstract: A parallel optical arithmetic/logic unit has inputs from point-light sources forming a given spatial pattern corresponding to a given separation of point sources. The spatial pattern is presented to a multiplicity of channels by an optical system formed of linear optical elements. A static filter is provided in each channel which allows energy to pass when it comes from one spatial pattern but attenuates or diverts energy from all other spatial patterns. Thus, energy will emerge predominantly from only one channel for each specific spatial pattern separated by a given separation of point sources. The desired output state of each channel may be detected to indicate the results of an optical arithmetic or logic operation.