Wavelength multiplexing multiple-image encryption using cascaded phase-only masks in the Fresnel transform domain

We propose a method of wavelength multiplexing based on a modified Gerchberg–Saxton algorithm (MGSA) and a cascaded phase modulation scheme in the Fresnel transform domain to reduce the cross talk in the multiple-image-encryption framework. First, each plain image is encoded to a complex function by using the MGSA. Next, the phase components of the created complex functions are multiplexed with different wavelength parameters, and then they are modulated before being combined together as a phase-only function, which is recorded in the first phase-only mask (POM). Finally, the second POM is generated by applying the MGSA again on the amplitude derived from the summation of the total created complex functions. Simulation results show that the cross talk between multiplexed images has been significantly reduced compared with an existing similar method. Therefore, the multiplexing capacity in encrypting multiple gray-scale images can be increased accordingly.