Multiple-image encryption and authentication in interference-based scheme by aid of space multiplexing

Conventional interference-based encryption (IBE) scheme suffers from the silhouette problem, and its capacity is relatively low. In this paper, we introduce sparse representation and space multiplexing into the IBE scheme and propose a method for multiple-image encryption and authentication. We demonstrate, through space multiplexing, the information of multiple images can be encrypted into two phase only masks. The decrypted images are intended to be authenticated by nonlinear correlation rather than be observed by naked eyes, and because of that, the silhouette problem has been thoroughly suppressed. Moreover, the capacity of the IBE scheme is also extensively enhanced. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposal have been demonstrated by numerical simulations.