OPTICAL FRACTIONAL FOURIER-TRANSFORMS WITH COMPLEX ORDERS

A definition of real and complex domains for the order of fractional F ourier transforms is introduced in association with diffraction either in free space or through real and complex lenses. The geometrical and the optical conditions that lead to real and complex orders of the fr actional Fourier transforms and their relevance to cascading optical s ystems are discussed. (C) 1996 Optical Society of America