This thesis studies a new method of implementing a charge-coupled device (CCD) transversal filter using optical input. The basic principle involves shining light from a signal-modulated light-emitting diode (LED) onto an optical mask which controls the amount of light reaching the various CCD electrodes. Some experimental results and practical considerations are described. It is shown that a compact lens-free optical signal processor is possible, using standard imaging structures. The relative advantages of using this approach as a means of obtaining fixed tap-weight transversal filters are discussed in comparison with the split electrode filter.