Quadratic Phase Systems Research Articles

Linear canonical transform as a tool to analyze coherence properties of electromagnetic beams propagating in a quadratic phase system.

Linear canonical transformation (LCT) provides a generalized and elegant mathematical framework for analyzing the coherence properties of an electromagnetic (EM) beam propagating in quadratic phase systems (QPSs). It is shown that LCT may be used to analyze coherence properties such as generalized Stokes parameters and EM degree of coherence of a partially coherent EM beam propagating through a QPS. We present simulation results of a Gaussian Schell model beam propagating through a Fourier system, fractional Fourier system, and 4f imaging system with an aperture and beam relay system.

Optical colour image watermarking based on phase-truncated linear canonical transform and image decomposition

This paper presents a novel optical colour image watermarking scheme based on phase-truncated linear canonical transform (PT-LCT) and image decomposition (ID). In this proposed scheme, a PT-LCT-based asymmetric cryptography is designed to encode the colour watermark into a noise-like pattern, and an ID-based multilevel embedding method is constructed to embed the encoded colour watermark into a colour host image. The PT-LCT-based asymmetric cryptography, which can be optically implemented by double random phase encoding with a quadratic phase system, can provide a higher security to resist various common cryptographic attacks. And the ID-based multilevel embedding method, which can be digitally implemented by a computer, can make the information of the colour watermark disperse better in the colour host image. The proposed colour image watermarking scheme possesses high security and can achieve a higher robustness while preserving the watermark’s invisibility. The good performance of the proposed scheme has been demonstrated by extensive experiments and comparison with other relevant schemes.

Simulating first order optical systems—algorithms for and composition of discrete linear canonical transforms

The linear canonical transforms (LCTs) are a parameterised group of linear integral transforms. The LCTs encompass a number of well-known transformations as special cases, including the Fourier transform, fractional Fourier transform, and the Fresnel integral. They relate the scalar wave fields at the input and output of systems composed of thin lenses and free space, along with other quadratic phase systems. In this paper, we perform a systematic search of all algorithms based on up to five stages of magnification, chirp multiplication and Fourier transforms. Based on that search, we propose a novel algorithm, for which we present numerical results. We compare the sampling requirements of three algorithms. Finally, we discuss some issues surrounding the composition of discrete LCTs.

Optimal representation and processing of optical signals in quadratic-phase systems

Optical fields propagating through quadratic-phase systems (QPSs) can be modeled as magnified fractional Fourier transforms (FRTs) of the input field, provided we observe them on suitably defined spherical reference surfaces. Non-redundant representation of the fields with the minimum number of samples becomes possible by appropriate choice of sample points on these surfaces. Longitudinally, these surfaces should not be spaced equally with the distance of propagation, but with respect to the FRT order. The non-uniform sampling grid that emerges mirrors the fundamental structure of propagation through QPSs. By providing a means to effectively handle the sampling of chirp functions, it allows for accurate and efficient computation of optical fields propagating in QPSs.

Signal reconstruction from partial information of discrete linear canonical transform

Signal reconstruction, especially for nonstationary signals, occurs in many applications such as optical astronomy, electron microscopy, and x-ray crystallography. As a potent tool to analyze the nonstationary signals, the linear canonical transform (LCT) describes the effect of quadratic phase systems on a wavefield and generalizes many optical transforms. The reconstruction of a finite discrete-time signal from the partial information of its discrete LCT and some known samples under some restrictions is presented. The partial information about its discrete LCT that we have assumed to be available is the discrete LCT phase alone or the discrete LCT magnitude alone. Besides, a reconstruction example is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

Discrete linear canonical transform computation by adaptive method

The linear canonical transform (LCT) describes the effect of quadratic phase systems on a wavefield and generalizes many optical transforms. In this paper, the computation method for the discrete LCT using the adaptive least-mean-square (LMS) algorithm is presented. The computation approaches of the block-based discrete LCT and the stream-based discrete LCT using the LMS algorithm are derived, and the implementation structures of these approaches by the adaptive filter system are considered. The proposed computation approaches have the inherent parallel structures which make them suitable for efficient VLSI implementations, and are robust to the propagation of possible errors in the computation process.

Fast linear canonical transforms

The linear canonical transform provides a mathematical model of paraxial propagation though quadratic phase systems. We review the literature on numerical approximation of this transform, including discretization, sampling, and fast algorithms, and identify key results. We then propose a frequency-division fast linear canonical transform algorithm comparable to the Sande-Tukey fast Fourier transform. Results calculated with an implementation of this algorithm are presented and compared with the corresponding analytic functions.

Three-dimensional speckle size in generalized optical systems with limiting apertures

Correlation properties of speckle fields at the output of quadratic phase systems with hard square and circular apertures are examined. Using the linear canonical transform and ABCD ray matrix techniques to describe these general optical systems, we first derive analytical formulas for determining axial and lateral speckle sizes. Then using a numerical technique, we extend the analysis so that the correlation properties of nonaxial speckles can also be considered. Using some simple optical systems as examples, we demonstrate how this approach may be conveniently applied. The results of this analysis apply broadly both to the design of metrology systems and to speckle control schemes.

Three-dimensional speckle size in generalized optical systems with limiting apertures

Correlation properties of speckle fields at the output of quadratic phase systems with hard square and circular apertures are examined. Using the linear canonical transform and ABCD ray matrix techniques to describe these general optical systems, we first derive analytical formulas for determining axial and lateral speckle sizes. Then using a numerical technique, we extend the analysis so that the correlation properties of nonaxial speckles can also be considered. Using some simple optical systems as examples, we demonstrate how this approach may be conveniently applied. The results of this analysis apply broadly both to the design of metrology systems and to speckle control schemes.

Three-dimensional speckle size in generalized optical systems with limiting apertures

Correlation properties of speckle fields at the output of quadratic phase systems with hard square and circular apertures are examined. Using the linear canonical transform and ABCD ray matrix techniques to describe these general optical systems, we first derive analytical formulas for determining axial and lateral speckle sizes. Then using a numerical technique, we extend the analysis so that the correlation properties of nonaxial speckles can also be considered. Using some simple optical systems as examples, we demonstrate how this approach may be conveniently applied. The results of this analysis apply broadly both to the design of metrology systems and to speckle control schemes.

Metrology and the linear canonical transform

It is shown experimentally that both surface tilt and in-plane translation motion can be independently estimated using the speckle photographic correlation technique by capturing consecutive images in two linear canonical transform domains (using two different quadratic phase systems). A geometric interpretation, based on use of the Wigner distribution function is presented to describe the method and a simple matrix approach, based on the ABCD matrix, is used to quantify it. It is shown that the sensitivity and dynamic range of measurement of both tilt and translation are both variable and depend on the parameters of the ABCD matrix.

Fast numerical algorithm for the linear canonical transform

The linear canonical transform (LCT) describes the effect of any quadratic phase system (QPS) on an input optical wave field. Special cases of the LCT include the fractional Fourier transform (FRT), the Fourier transform (FT), and the Fresnel transform (FST) describing free-space propagation. Currently there are numerous efficient algorithms used (for purposes of numerical simulation in the area of optical signal processing) to calculate the discrete FT, FRT, and FST. All of these algorithms are based on the use of the fast Fourier transform (FFT). In this paper we develop theory for the discrete linear canonical transform (DLCT), which is to the LCT what the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) is to the FT. We then derive the fast linear canonical transform (FLCT), an N log N algorithm for its numerical implementation by an approach similar to that used in deriving the FFT from the DFT. Our algorithm is significantly different from the FFT, is based purely on the properties of the LCT, and can be used for FFT, FRT, and FST calculations and, in the most general case, for the rapid calculation of the effect of any QPS.

Optical encryption and the space bandwidth product

The use of optical signal processing in the field of image encryption typically involves the use of optical transforms representing quadratic phase systems (QPS), to implement the optical Fourier transform (OFT), the optical fractional Fourier transform (OFRT), the Fresnel transform (FST) and the general linear Canonical transform (LCT). Random phase keys (RPK) or random shifting stages are applied after transformation and the process is repeated for deeper encryption. Each such stage may change the spatial extent of the complex distribution and may also change the spatial frequency bandwidth of the signal. Therefore, the space bandwidth product (SBP), which is equal to the number of discrete samples that are required to fully represent the encrypted signal (and are required to recover the original), will also change. In general the encrypted field is complex and recording must be carried out using a holographic material or using digital holographic methods. We show how the matrices associated with the effect of a LCT on the Wigner distribution function (WDF) provide us with an efficient method for finding the position, spatial extent, spatial frequency extent and SBP of the encrypted signal. Applying the technique, we review a number of methods proposed in the literature for encryption using optical systems based on the FT, FRT, FST and LCT. This technique also allows us to identify necessary parameters, i.e., we can determine the minimum size of lens apertures and the need for magnification stages at critical stages in the system.

Approximately analytical optimization of the fractional Fourier transform for the free-space Fresnel diffraction

In free-space, the fractional Fourier transform (FrFT) of an object can be regarded as a Fresnel diffraction pattern of the object, for which it must be approximated by certain restricted conditions and under the appropriate values of the parameters. This paper presents a precise approach to the quadratic phase system of Fourier optics for the application of the FrFT and gives a rigorous analysis of the error in the diffraction pattern scale between the conventional Fourier transform and the FrFT.

Optical encryption using quadratic phase systems

We discuss a class of encryption systems referred to as `quadratic phase encryption system' (QPES) which uses quadratic phase systems (QPS). The encoding of data is done using random phase codes in any two planes of a QPS. A QPS offers a continuum of planes to encode data. We analyze the QPES in terms of the transformation by QPS, and outline a procedure to design a QPES taking into account the space–bandwidth product considerations. A computer simulation is presented to study the robustness of QPS parameters to blind decryption.

Optical encryption by double-random phase encoding in the fractional Fourier domain

We propose an optical architecture that encodes a primary image to stationary white noise by using two statistically independent random phase codes. The encoding is done in the fractional Fourier domain. The optical distribution in any two planes of a quadratic phase system (QPS) are related by fractional Fourier transform of the appropriately scaled distribution in the two input planes. Thus a QPS offers a continuum of planes in which encoding can be done. The six parameters that characterize the QPS in addition to the random phase codes form the key to the encrypted image. The proposed method has an enhanced security value compared with earlier methods. Experimental results in support of the proposed idea are presented.