Fractional Fourier transforms and their optical implementation II

The linear transform kernel for fractional Fourier transforms is derived. The spatial resolution and the space–bandwidth product for propagation in graded-index media are discussed in direct relation to fractional Fourier transforms, and numerical examples are presented. It is shown how fractional Fourier transforms can be made the basis of generalized spatial filtering systems: Several filters are interleaved between several fractional transform stages, thereby increasing the number of degrees of freedom available in filter synthesis.