Motion-sensitive optical correlator using a VanderLugt correlator

A new type of optical correlator is presented. The correlator performs motion detection or background clutter suppression and correlation simultaneously in a single photorefractive crystal. Additionally, the device is useful for moving target identification and tracking and for stationary clutter rejection. The correlation is of the VanderLugt type, and the motion detection or background clutter suppression is based on the erasing property of photorefractive crystals.