Sampling and discrete linear canonical transforms

Abstract

A discrete linear canonical transform would facilitate numerical calculations in many applications in signal processing, scalar wave optics, and nuclear physics. The question is how to define a discrete transform so that it not only approximates the continuous transform well, but also constitutes a discrete transform in its own right, being complete, unitary, etc. The key idea is that the LCT of a discrete signal consists of modulated replicas. Based on that result, it is possible to define a discrete transform that has many desirable properties. This discrete transform is compatible with certain algorithms more than others.