Fractional Fourier transform: simulations and experimental results

Recently two optical interpretations of the fractional Fourier transform operator were introduced. We address implementation issues of the fractional-Fourier-transform operation. We show that the original bulk-optics configuration for performing the fractional-Fourier-transform operation [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 10, 2181 (1993)] provides a scaled output using a fixed lens. For obtaining a non-scaled output, an asymmetrical setup is suggested and tested. For comparison, computer simulations were performed. A good agreement between computer simulations and experimental results was obtained.