Analysis of DNA Sequences by an Optical Time-Integrating Correlator: Proof-of-Concept Experiments

The analysis of the molecular structure called DNA is of particular interest for the understanding of the basic processes governing life. Correlation techniques implemented on digital computers are currently used to perform the analysis but the present process is so slow that the mapping and sequencing of the entire human genome requires a computational breakthrough. This paper presents proof-of-concept experiments of a new method of performing the analysis of DNA sequences with an optical time-integrating correlator. Included are experimental results for the two types of analysis specified by the processing strategy. Details about the design and construction of the custom signal generators that were built to performs the experiments are presented... DNA Analysis, Time-intergrating correlator, Optical data processing.