Image encryption using binary polarization states of light beam

Abstract

Optical image/data encryption techniques are mostly based on the manipulation of spatial distributions of light's amplitude, phase, and polarization. Information encoding with phase involves complex interferometric set-up and polarization encoding requires Stoke’s parameter measurement. Hence, they create difficulties in optical implementation. Considering the practical limitations, in this study, we demonstrate a method of single-shot intensity recording-based color image encryption by encoding the information in binary polarization states. The proposed method does not require Stoke parameter calculation. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrated the technique with coherent and partially coherent light sources. Use of partially coherent light overcomes the speckle problem and makes the system cost-effective, useful for practical applications.

Advances in Optical Visual Information Security: A Comprehensive Review

“…These holographic encryption methods offer unique advantages, such as resistance to certain types of attacks and the ability to secure information in various modalities, contributing to the growing landscape of advanced cryptographic techniques in an era where data security is paramount [124][125][126][127][128][129][130][131]. The polarization properties of light provide another dimension for designing secure optical cryptosystems [132][133][134]. Recently, the physical random patterns or physically unclonable functions, i.e., optical speckles, have also been studied and explored to develop enhanced optical cryptosystems [135][136][137][138].…”