Optical processor

An apparatus comprising:

• a means for receiving into a configurable programmed holographic structure comprising a plurality of diffractive elements, an input optical signal comprising a first spatial wavefront, the first spatial wavefront comprising a first wavefront shape and a first optical spectrum, the input optical signal further comprising a first direction of propagation;
• a means for diffracting an input optical signal, producing a diffracted optical signal comprising an optical spectrum that differs from the input optical spectrum in at least one of amplitude and phase, the diffracted optical signal comprising a second direction of propagation that differs from the first direction of propagation;
• a means for transmitting the diffracted optical signal, the diffracted optical signal comprising a second spatial wavefront that compriss a second wavefront shape, wherein the first and second spatial wavefronts are not identical in shape;
• and
• a means for configuring the configurable programmed holographic structure.