Interference-based multiple-image encryption with silhouette removal by position multiplexing.

An approach for multiple-image encryption based on interference and position multiplexing is proposed. In the encryption process, multiple images are analytically hidden into three phase-only masks (POMs). The encryption algorithm for this method is quite simple and does not need iterative encoding. For decryption, both the digital method and optical method could be employed. Also, we analyze the multiplexing capacity through the correlation coefficient. In addition, the silhouette problem that exists in previous interference-based encryption methods with two POMs can be eliminated during the generation procedure of POMs based on the interference principle. Simulation results are presented to verify the validity of the proposed approach.