The fractional Fourier transform (FRT), which is a generalization of the well-known ordinary Fourier transform, is being increasingly used in many applications of optics. The FRT is richer in theory and more flexible in applications and at the same time not more costly in implementation. Pattern recognition, one of the widely pursued application areas in the domain of optical information processing, has benefited immensely with the use of FRT in optical correlators. Similarly optoelectronic encryption and decryption techniques have derived considerable strength from the use of FRT. The present paper reviews the recent investigations in the above-mentioned areas with special reference to the work carried out by the Photonics Group, ITT Delhi.

Date Published: 16 September 2002
PDF: 15 pages
Proc. SPIE 4929, Optical Information Processing Technology, (16 September 2002); doi: 10.1117/12.483221

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 4929:
Optical Information Processing Technology
Guoguang Mu; Francis T. S. Yu; Suganda Jutamulia, Editor(s)