Abstract: Methods of performing complex optical computations, preferably using a programmable optical data processor having a plurality of spatial light modulators to impress data onto a data beam. Data can be applied to a subset of the modulators so as to impress a corresponding data image onto the beam; with uniform data applied to the remaining ones of the modulators so as to impress corresponding uniform data images onto the beam such that the computation performed is dependent on the data applied to the subset of the modulators. Any one of a number of performable optical computations can be programmably performed by providing data to selected subsets of the plurality of spatial modulators.

Abstract: The Array Processor of the present invention is comprised of a plurality of modular Elemental Processors, the modules being of a number of different functional types. These modules are associated so that the Elemental Processors are architecturally parallel to one another. The principal flow of data within the Array Processor, based on the simultaneous transfer of data words within the Elemental Processors, is thereby correspondingly parallel. The modules are also architecturally associated as functional planes that lie transverse to the Elemental Processors. Each functional plane is thereby comprised of an array of modules that are each otherwise associated with a separate Elemental Processor. Further, the modules of a given functional plane are of a single functional type. This allows the data of a two-dimensionally structured data set, present within the Array Processor, to be processed identically and in parallel by a common logical operation as provided and performed by a functional plane.