We show how optical encryption methods based on double random phase keys are vulnerable to an organized attack of the chosen-ciphertext type. The decryption key can be easily obtained by an opponent who has repeated access to either the encryption or decryption machines. However, we have also devised a solution that prevents the attack. Our results cast doubts on the present security of these techniques.

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Abstract. We provide a detailed account of the construction of a system of holographic optical tweezers. While a lot of information is available on the design, alignment and calibration of other optical trapping configurations, those based on holography are relatively poorly described. Inclusion of a spatial light modulator in the setup gives rise to particular design trade-offs and constraints, and the system benefits from specific optimization strategies, which we discuss.

Methods for generating beams with arbitrary polarization based on the use of liquid crystal displays have recently attracted interest from a wide range of sources. In this paper we present a technique for generating beams with arbitrary polarization and shape distributions at a given plane using a Mach-Zehnder setup. The transverse components of the incident beam are processed independently by means of spatial light modulators placed in each path of the interferometer. The modulators display computer generated holograms designed to dynamically encode any amplitude value and polarization state for each point of the wavefront in a given plane. The steps required to design such beams are described in detail. Several beams performing different polarization and intensity landscapes have been experimentally implemented. The results obtained demonstrate the capability of the proposed technique to tailor the amplitude and polarization of the beam simultaneously.

A new phase modulation spatial light modulator (SLM) characterization procedure is presented, based on the analysis of the interference fringes of a Mach-Zender interferometer arrangement, by means of correlation and Fourier transform methods. This, accompanied by an amplitude calibration technique that makes use of the same experimental set-up, gives a general measurement procedure for SLM full complex characterization.As an experimental application, two different operation curves of an Epson LCTV are determined, in order to use these configurations for an optical pattern recognition procedure: a phase-only high-efficient joint transform correlator.