Information encryption and compression based on random polarization modulation in a joint transform correlator scheme under vector beam illumination

Abstract

We demonstrate that a vectorial beam with a random polarization state can be used as the illumination source in a joint transform correlator configuration to encrypt and compress images. Illumination light featuring both space-variant phase and a space-variant polarization distribution can be generated using a common-path interferometric arrangement. A hybrid joint power spectrum is registered using an array of linear micro-polarizers that is closely attached to a charge-coupled device in the recording plane. Introduction of the vectorial beam into a security application enables simultaneous manipulation of multiple light wave parameters, which will significantly enlarge the key dimensions and key space of the cryptosystem. This vectorial optical cryptosystem may also provoke interest in probing optical vector encryption methods.