An optical implementation of the Hough transform (HT) based on a matrix of 64 X 64 four-level phase computer generated holograms is described. The HT holograms are designed using a novel algorithm that combines the high speed of convergence of iterative Fourier algorithm with the high precision of the direct binary search algorithm. The matrix of holograms was fabricated using standard microfabrication techniques: E-beam lithography, photolithography and chemically assisted ion beam etching. The fabricated elements were characterized experimentally and used in the HT processor, demonstrating practical application examples as real-time straight line, ellipse, circle detection, and other pattern recognition tasks.

Date Published: 1 April 1998
PDF: 10 pages
Proc. SPIE 3402, Optical Information Science and Technology (OIST97): Optical Memory and Neural Networks, (1 April 1998); doi: 10.1117/12.304947

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 3402:
Optical Information Science and Technology (OIST97): Optical Memory and Neural Networks
Andrei L. Mikaelian, Editor(s)