Color image encryption and decryption using fractional Fourier transform

We propose the encryption of color images using fractional Fourier transform (FRT). The image to be encrypted is first segregated into three color channels: red, green, and blue. Each of these channels is encrypted independently using double random phase encoding in the FRT domain. The different fractional orders and random phase masks used during the process of encryption and decryption are the keys to enhance the security of the proposed system. The algorithms to implement the proposed encryption and decryption scheme are discussed, and results of digital simulation are presented. The technique is shown to be a powerful one for colored text encryption. We also outline the implementation of the algorithm and examine its sensitiveness to changes in the fractional order during decryption. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.