Fractional Fourier transform: simulations and experimental results

TLDR

Recently two optical interpretations of the fractional Fourier transform operator were introduced. The study addresses implementation issues of the fractional‑Fourier‑transform operation and proposes an asymmetrical setup to achieve a non‑scaled output. The authors show that the original bulk‑optics configuration provides a scaled output using a fixed lens and perform computer simulations for comparison. Computer simulations and experimental results agree well. Reference to J.

Abstract

Recently two optical interpretations of the fractional Fourier transform operator were introduced. We address implementation issues of the fractional-Fourier-transform operation. We show that the original bulk-optics configuration for performing the fractional-Fourier-transform operation [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 10, 2181 (1993)] provides a scaled output using a fixed lens. For obtaining a non-scaled output, an asymmetrical setup is suggested and tested. For comparison, computer simulations were performed. A good agreement between computer simulations and experimental results was obtained.