Interpreting Mueller matrix images of tissues

Matthew H. Smith

doi:10.1117/12.434690

9 July 2001 Interpreting Mueller matrix images of tissues

Matthew H. Smith

Proceedings Volume 4257, Laser-Tissue Interaction XII: Photochemical, Photothermal, and Photomechanical; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.434690
Event: BiOS 2001 The International Symposium on Biomedical Optics, 2001, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

In recent years, several investigators have begun to explore polarized light imagery as a potential diagnostic tool. For example, polarimetric images have shown promise in identifying a variety of dermatological conditions. Because tissues tend to depolarize a large fraction (~85%) of incident light, the Mueller calculus lends itself well to these applications. A particular property of the Mueller matrix, the Depolarization Index, has demonstrated promise in discriminating between cancerous and benign moles. In this paper, we discuss the depolarizing aspects of tissues, however we primarily attempt to analyze the small fraction of light that has retained a polarization state. Analyzing the residual polarizing properties of a sample is challenging, and it requires a polar decomposition of the measured Mueller matrix into the basic properties of diattenuation, retardance, and depolarization. The diattenuation and retardance images contain information about the complex refractive index of the tissue, including any spatial variations in the index. We present measurements of the diattenuation and retardance of laser light reflected from skin as a function if incident angle and scattered angle.

Citation Download Citation

Matthew H. Smith "Interpreting Mueller matrix images of tissues", Proc. SPIE 4257, Laser-Tissue Interaction XII: Photochemical, Photothermal, and Photomechanical, (9 July 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.434690

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