Multiple images encryption based on Fourier transform hologram

A new optical encryption method is proposed in this paper to achieve multiple images encryption. We introduce reference waves with different incident angles and random amplitude masks into a Fourier transform hologram configuration to encrypt multiple images. In the encryption procedure, different random amplitude masks (RAMs) which are placed into the reference arm vertically admit the multiplexing capability. When decrypting one of the original images, reference wave with the same incident angle as encrypting the target image is used to illuminate the encrypted hologram with the insertion of random amplitude mask whose transmissivity is reciprocal of that of the encrypting random amplitude mask in the reference arm. We also simulate and analyze the influence of partly wrong decrypting key on the decrypted results. Numerical simulation proves that the proposed encryption method is valid and of high security level. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.