Discriminating optical properties using backscattered Mueller matrix in a turbid media

Abstract

A Monte Carlo algorithm to simulate the propagation of polarized light was used and the backscattered Mueller matrices were calculated for various scattering and absorption coefficients and layered structures. Results show that scattering produce a spatial re-distribution of light, while absorption only causes a uniform decrease in intensity. The major contribution to backscattered Mueller matrix comes from weakly scattered photons. As scattering enhances the majority of these photons exit from around the centre. result in image intensity increase around the centre and decrease at the edge. For absorption strengthen only uniform intensity weakening was observed. Both can be easily differentiated by Mueller matrix distribution patterns. A two-layer niodel with thin surface layer was also calculated, Mueller matrix represent disparate alternant rule for upper and lower layer, which suggest possibilities for discriminating subtle epidennal structure. All these results together indicate that discriminate optical properties in turbid media using backscattered Mueller matrix is feasible.