Binary image encryption with a QR code-encoded optical beam having an array of vortices.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Information Security
• Data Transmission

Background:

• Optical information processing leverages light's properties for efficient data handling.
• Orbital angular momentum (OAM) in vortex beams offers high-dimensional encoding and stability in free space propagation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a novel image encryption method using an array of OAM light modes.
• To enhance security and ease of implementation in optical data encryption.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a non-interferometric intensity recording-based encoding scheme.
• Employing quick response (QR) codes for information encoding to mitigate light distribution issues and aberrations.
• Leveraging multiple OAM modes for high-dimensional data representation.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of an image encryption technique based on OAM modes.
• Achieved high security through partial information encoding, requiring key information for complete retrieval.
• The method shows ease of implementation and robustness against non-uniform light distribution and aberrations.

Conclusions:

• The proposed OAM-based image encryption method provides a secure and practical approach for optical information processing.
• The use of QR codes enhances data integrity and encoding efficiency.
• This technique contributes to the advancement of secure optical communication and data storage.