Methods of realization of an optical processor with variable operators

Methods of the realization of a tabular optical processor with variable operators are considered. The structure and functional links between the units of the processor are discussed. A detailed analysis is made of the operation of a unit of controlled light beams, units for recording and readout of holograms, immediate-access memory, and a data processing unit made up from optically controlled transparencies. Difficulties and prospects of the construction of optical and optoelectronic variants of this new high-performance processor are considered. It is noted that the optoelectronic variant of the processor may be realized within a few years.