Multi-image encryption based on singular value decomposition ghost imaging and RSA public-key cryptography

A multi-image encryption method based on singular value decomposition ghost imaging and RSA public-key cryptography (RSVDGI) is proposed. Radon transform (RT) is first carried out on the target images to obtain Radon spectrums, and then, QR encoding is performed on it. The QR-coded image is used as a plaintext image for singular value decomposition ghost imaging (SVDGI) encryption to obtain the corresponding ciphertext. The public key generated by the RSA algorithm is used to encrypt the keys of the above process. Only the receiver with the private key of the RSA algorithm can successfully extract the keys, decrypt the ciphertext encrypted by SVDGI, and finally reconstruct the required target images. QR code has good error correction performance. Thus, it can restore the target images in high quality within the range of its error correction ability. RSA public-key cryptosystem solves the problem of key management in ghost imaging system and improves the security of encryption system. The feasibility, security, and robustness of this method are verified by computer simulations and optical experiments.