Optical encryption by double-random phase encoding in the fractional Fourier domain

Area of Science:

• Optics
• Information Security
• Image Processing

Background:

• Image encryption is crucial for secure data transmission.
• Existing optical encryption methods have limitations in security and flexibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel optical architecture for image encryption.
• To enhance the security and efficiency of optical encryption techniques.

Main Methods:

• Encoding a primary image into stationary white noise using two independent random phase codes.
• Performing encoding in the fractional Fourier domain within a quadratic phase system (QPS).
• Utilizing QPS parameters and random phase codes as the encryption key.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated successful encoding of images into white noise.
• Showcased the flexibility of QPS in selecting encoding planes.
• Achieved enhanced security value compared to prior methods.
• Presented experimental validation of the proposed optical architecture.

Conclusions:

• The proposed optical architecture offers a robust and secure method for image encryption.
• The use of fractional Fourier domain and QPS provides a flexible and secure platform for encryption.
• The enhanced security value makes this method suitable for advanced applications.