Images are the main source through which humans acquire and exchange information. Edges are one of the most fundamental and important feature of image. Edge detection is a classic research problem of computer vision and image processing. In this paper we present a new edge detection operator based on a composite derivative

which is realized by the combination of fractional differentiation and integration. The features of the new operator

in terms of detection accuracy and noise immunity

are demonstrated through experiments

and the experimental results verify the effectiveness of the new operator. Finally

qualitative and quantitative comparisons of the new operator with two classical operators

Canny and CRONE

are performed. The comparisons show the superiority of the new algorithm

which is reflected in the abilities of accurate edge localization and good suppression of false edges while still being able to detect fine true edges.