Silhouette-free image encryption using interference in the multiple-parameter fractional Fourier transform domain

A novel approach for silhouette-free image encryption based on interference is proposed using discrete multiple-parameter fractional Fourier transform (DMPFrFT), which generalizes from fractional Fourier transform. An original image is firstly applied by chaotic pixel scrambling (CPS) and then encoded into the real part of a complex signal. Using interference principle, the complex signal generates three phase-only masks in DMPFrFT domain. The silhouette of the original image cannot be extracted using one or two of the three phase-only masks. The parameters of both CPS and DMPFrFT can also serve as encryption keys to extend the key space, which further enhance the level of cryptosystem security. Numerical simulations are demonstrated to show the feasibility and validity of this approach. (C) 2017 Optical Society of America