Validation and security verification using a holographic phase mask correlator

Accuwave Corporation will study the feasibility of a volume holographic, phase-encoded optical image correlator for credit card and document validation and security application. Fourier transform holograms of a phase-encoded input image are stored using wavelength multiplexed holographic gratings in a photorefractive crystal. High spatial resolution images can be sotred with low crosstalk using this storage technique. This technology has additional applications in target and pattern recognition, phase-encoded access control devices.