LEARNING AND RECALL ALGORITHM FOR OPTICAL ASSOCIATIVE MEMORY USING A BISTABLE SPATIAL LIGHT-MODULATOR

A learning and recall algorithm for optical associative memory based on the conventional correlation-learning method with three effective improvements (sparse-encoding method, constant-total-activity method, and binary memory) is proposed from a viewpoint of practical implementation It is shown that the algorithm is suitable for implementation with a bistable spatial light modulator such as a ferroelectric liquid-crystals spatial light modulator, which has high resolution and a fast response time. The results of theoretical analysis and simulations indicate that the algorithm permits an associative-memory system with a large memory capacity to be realized. An example of an optical system for executing this algorithm is proposed. To determine the performance specifications that are required for the various optical components within the system, we simulate and evaluate the effect of noise (which is caused by nonideal components) on system performance. These results show that the system is robust in the presence of predicted noise levels.