Abstract: A method of and apparatus for acousto-optically addressed pattern recognition using Vander Lugt matched filtering. In optical correlation a beam of light containing an image to be examined is directed to fall on a matched filter array that contains a representation of an object of interest. Critical alignment between the beam and a matched filter of the array is achieved by acousto-optical deflection of the light beam. A large number of matched filters can be addressed sequentially at very high sampling rates, thereby providing a large memory capability for coherent optical image processing. In the system an object beam containing an image of interest is directed to a plane of interest where the matched filter is located. An acousto-optical device located in the object beam path is driven by a signal generator at megahertz frequencies.