Comparison of anisotropic information using Mueller matrix imaging at different backscattering angles

Abstract

Polarization parameters derived from Mueller matrix (MM) can describe different structural and optical properties of the media. Anisotropy of light-structure interactions are useful in many fields like biomedical research, but can be affected by the orientation relationship between samples and detection systems. In this paper, we used backscattering MM imaging systems with different backscattering angles to obtain MMs and several anisotropic parameters. The angle between backscattering and the normal of the sample surface changes from 180° to 110° while the incident light is parallel to the normal. Concentrically aligned fibers sample is used as scattering media. It has fibers of complete 360° directions. The experimental results showed the colinear backscattering MM imaging system can provide anisotropic parameters with better periodical variation than non-colinear backscattering MM imaging system does. The amplitude of signal attenuates with the scattering angle declines. The collinear backscattering MM imaging system has better detection ability measuring anisotropy of samples. However, further studies are still necessary to analyze the additional information obtained from non-collinear backscattering MM imaging system.