Fractional Fourier transformation (FrFT) is an extension form of the Fourier transformation (FT). It can analyze the fractional signal between time and frequency domains. Thanks to its unique properties, the FrFT has found multiple applications such as solving differential equations, quantum mechanics, optical image processing and signal processing. This paper gives a brief introduction to FrFT and reviews the current research progress of FrFT in several fields such as filtering, neural network, image processing and wireless communication. In addition, some typical applications in optical communication are depicted in detail. Some research directions of FrFT in optical communication field are suggested.

fractional Fourier transformation  /  optical communication  /  dispersion  /  nonlinearity  /  OFDM