Experimental multiplexing approach via code key rotations under a joint transform correlator scheme

We introduce a novel experimental procedure to multiplex optical information by using the joint transform correlator architecture. The rotation of the input plane encoding mask admits the multiplexing capability, otherwise not feasible by a simple shifting due to the classical invariance to in plane mask translations. We realize the procedure by using an optodigital technique with a Mach–Zehnder interferometer. We apply a virtual optical implementation to remove unwanted information and then to reposition the encoded image, before data multiplexing. The end user employs a procedure with another virtual optics setup, having fewer steps than other known methods, and avoiding the usual background noise influence of non-decoded data. Actual experimental results are presented.

Research highlights► Novel experimental method to multiplex optical information. ► Unlike existing methods, encryption is performed without setup modifications. ► Coding mask rotation brings in the multiplexing capability. ► Procedure implemented using an optodigital technique and virtual optics stations.