Multiple-image hiding based on interference principle

A method for hiding multiple images into one image is presented. The method is based on interference principle and double random phase mask method. A uniform plane wave interferes with two beams of light wave carrying information of two encrypted images on an output plane. The obtained interference distribution image contains information of two encrypted images. By using frequency spectrum center shift technique, the two encrypted images can be recovered successfully. Then, the interference distribution is encoded into an index matrix through a host image. The optical encryption system parameters and the host image can all be used as encryption keys, which make encrypted image information safer. Numerical simulation indicates that the method can encrypt more information into one image and reconstruct the encryption image information successfully.