A pattern identification technique using the wavelet matched filter (W
MF) based on the photorefractive (PR) crystal has been proposed. The e
ssential merit of using the WMF is that it offers better signal discri
mination than the conventional matched filter (CMF). Since a large num
ber of WMFs can be synthesized in a PR crystal, fingerprint identifica
tion was chosen as the application. Simulated and experimental results
are provided.