this invention is a compact optical processor including a coherent light source , plural optical elements that together form a fourier transform interferometer , and a two dimensional detector array . the light source generates a two dimensional input optical wavefront intensity modulated according to the input signal . the optical elements are formed as slab - like members with parallel input and output surfaces . these optical elements are disposed abutting in tandem . the light detecting device includes a two dimensional array of photosensitive elements generating an image signal corresponding to the processed two dimensional optical wavefront . the plural optical elements preferably include at least one acousto - optical element forming a two dimensional scanner . the plural optical elements may further includes a holographic optical element to block light undiffracted by the scanning elements . the plurality of optical elements may include a modified kosters interferometer with a beam splitter and two orthogonally disposed roof prisms . the optical processor may operate on plural input signals on separate wavelengths employing sets dichroic beam splitters to assemble and separate plural wavelengths from separate point sources .