Comparison of two linear differential polarization imaging methods in tissue characterization

Abstract

Linear differential polarization imaging can improve image quality and characterize the polarization properties of biological tissues. Degree of polarization imaging (DOPI) yields images based on photons backscattered from the superficial layers, but shows different measurement results for different incident polarization or sample orientations. The rotating linear polarization imaging (RLPI) method can characterize the anisotropic properties of tissues, by recording the linear differential polarization as a function of multi-incident and multi-detection polarization angles and gives a set of new parameters insensitive to incident polarization angles. The physical meanings, dependence on the incident polarization angles and the imaging depth of the parameters of the rotating linear polarization imaging will be compared with those of degree of polarization imaging, which indicate the application potential of the two linear differential polarization imaging methods in tissue imaging and medical diagnosis.