Optical Correlator Based on Biomolecular Materials

Optical correlators are dedicated optical computers capable of determining the degree of similarity between features contained in a two-dimensional scene. This research designs, fabricates, and tests optical films based on biomolecular materials. Theutility and enhanced capability of these films is studied in an optical correlator for real time optical identity verification via fingerprints or other biometrics. Smart cards will soon perform all Federal identification, allow physical access and allowlogical access. This research, if successful, will permit replacing PIN numbers with identity verification via fingerprints in all smart cards.