Phase retrieval for attacking fractional Fourier transform encryption

An advanced iterative phase retrieval algorithm is applied to perform a ciphertext-only attack on the fractional Fourier transform-based double random phase encryption system. With the given complex amplitude of ciphertext and definite support of the object image, the original object image can be recovered by estimating the energy of support area in the recovered image. The encryption system can be attacked by analyzing the sensibility of fractional Fourier transform order keys and evaluating the energy of the object image support area. The proposed algorithm can obtain encrypted fractional order and retrieve two random phase keys. Numerical results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed attacking method.