Optical multi-image encryption based on frequency shift

We present a novel multi-image encryption and decryption algorithm based on Fourier transform and fractional Fourier transforms. Lower frequency parts of the original images are selected, frequency shifted and encrypted by using double phase encoding in fractional Fourier domains. Multiple images are encrypted together into a single one. A simple optical setup is given to implement the proposed algorithm. This scheme has features of enhancement in decryption accuracy and high optical efficiency. Numerical results have been given to verify the validity and efficiency of the proposed scheme. (C) 2010 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.