Realization of temporal linear transformations by the use of a spatial-diffraction-based optical system.

Signal processing in general, and optical signal processing in particular, make extensive use of linear transformations. The temporal nature of many optical signals (e.g., in optical communication systems) makes the realization of temporal transformations a desired extension. We present a system making possible the realization of arbitrary temporal linear transformation. The system supports real-time changes of the realized transformation. The mathematical analysis is derived, and computer simulations are presented.