The wavelet-matched filter performs the continuous wavelet transform f
or edge feature enhancement and the correlation between two wavelet tr
ansforms for pattern recognition in a single step. The composite wavel
et-matched filter is a combination of the wavelet-matched filters, tha
t yields desired outputs for a given set of training images. We presen
t the definition, the iterative design algorithm, the quasiorthogonali
ty of the components, and the optical implementation of the composite
wavelet-matched filter. The filter yields a sharp correlation peak at
the origin without sidelobe. A comparison between the composite wavele
t-matched filter with the conventional composite filter is also given.