Executive Summary : | The increasing use of the internet and new-age multimedia techniques has led to the need for voluminous data transmission through various communication channels, posing new challenges in data security. To protect unauthorized access and frauds, new ways of advanced data security must be developed. Images have been extensively used as information carriers due to their various features and expressions. Image processing techniques can enhance the security of data captured through image sensors placed in sensitive places like hospitals, banks, military commands, aircrafts, satellites, or personal images captured in daily life. Cryptosystems are available for essential secure communication and are designed to withstand malicious attacks. However, the development of high-performance computers has made cryptographic algorithms more vulnerable, making it easier for counterfeiters to breach systems' security. Various digital image encryption techniques have been developed, but their inherent one-dimensional processing makes them unfavorable candidates in terms of computational efficiency. Optical signal processing-based encryption techniques have emerged as a strong candidate, providing several advantages over digital counterparts. These techniques offer advantages such as parallel processing, large data storage capacity, and multidimensional freedom. However, implementing these techniques requires training, making it difficult for eavesdroppers. Currently, some optical systems, devices, and materials are available commercially for data security and encryption, but a large-scale use of efficient optical encryption protocols is expected in the future. The main aim of this project is to design and develop new advanced optical cryptosystems for practical applications. |