An optical image encryption method based on Fourier single-pixel imaging and phase retrieval algorithm

An optical image encryption method is proposed based on Fourier single-pixel imaging and iterated phase retrieval algorithm. First, a binary barcode image containing two groups of horizontal strips is randomly generated and used as the target image in the single-pixel imaging process. Second, considering the barcode image as the amplitude constraint, the original plaintext image is encoded to two phase-only masks using a designed phase retrieval algorithm in Fresnel domain, and these masks are applied as secret keys. Finally, the barcode image is encrypted to a series of measurements using two-step phase shift Fourier single-pixel imaging as the ciphertext. Differing other methods, the original image is not directly imaged and encoded into the ciphertext. Even the ciphertext is obtained by a cracker, only the barcode image may be further discovered. Due to two phase-only masks as secret keys, the security level of the cryptosystem can be enhanced greatly. The simulated results verify the feasibility of the proposed method, and this work provides an effective alternative for the related research.