The multiple-parameter discrete fractional Fourier transform and its application

The discrete fractional Fourier transform (DFRFT) is a generalization of the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) with one additional order parameter. In this paper, we extend the DFRFT to have N order parameters, where N is the number of the input data points. The proposed multiple-parameter discrete fractional Fourier transform (MPDFRFT) is shown to have all of the desired properties for fractional transforms. In fact, the MPDFRFT reduces to the DFRFT when all of its order parameters are the same. To show an application example of the MPDFRFT, we exploit its multiple-parameter feature and propose the double random phase encoding in the MPDFRFT domain for encrypting digital data. The proposed encoding scheme in the MPDFRFT domain significantly enhances data security.