Watermarking algorithm based on phase-only CGH in fractional Hartley domain for DICOM images

In this manuscript, we proposed a watermarking algorithm based on phase-only computer-generated holography (CGH) in the fractional Hartley domain for digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) images. The proposed algorithm improves the security of the CGH-based algorithm. The cascaded use of fractional Hartley transform and attenuation factor increases the keyspace of the proposed watermarking algorithm. The robustness and effectiveness of the proposed watermarking algorithm is validated using simulations on DICOM images. The effectiveness of the proposed watermarking algorithm is assessed using statistical tools in terms of mean-squared error, information entropy, correlation coefficient, histogram, and mesh plots. The robustness is evaluated by testing the proposed algorithm’s performance under real-time threats, including contamination and data loss attacks. Furthermore, the security of the proposed algorithm is also tested for existing cryptographic attacks, such as chosen-plaintext attacks, and known-plaintext attacks. The simulation results indicate that the proposed watermarking algorithm is robust and effective.