All-optical image processing and compression based on Haar wavelet transform

Abstract

Fast data processing and compression methods based on wavelet transform are fundamental tools in the area of real-time 2D data/image analysis, enabling high definition applications and redundant data reduction. The need for information processing at high data rates motivates the efforts on exploiting the speed and the parallelism of the light for data analysis and compression. Among several schemes for optical wavelet transform implementation, the Haar transform offers simple design and fast computation, plus it can be easily implemented by optical planar interferometry. We present an all optical scheme based on an asymmetric couplers network for achieving fast image processing and compression in the optical domain. The implementation of Haar wavelet transform through a 3D passive structure is supported by theoretical formulation and simulations results. Asymmetrical coupler 3D network design and optimization are reported and Haar wavelet transform, including compression, was achieved, thus demonstrating the feasibility of our approach.