Methods of performing a complex Fourier transform of a complex data set corresponding to an image are disclosed. The methods comprise receiving a complex data set and performing a first 1D complex Fourier transform in the complex data set in Cartesian form; converting the complex data set into polar form and compressing the complex data set in polar form; performing a row-column transformation of the complex data set; decompressing the complex data set and converting the complex data set back into Cartesian form; and performing a second 1D Fourier transform in the complex data set in Cartesian form, wherein the second 1D complex Fourier transform is orthogonal to the first 1D complex Fourier transform. Corresponding systems are also disclosed, as are application to the iterative computation of computer-generated holograms.