Imaging of media with spatial frequency domain Mueller matrix imaging

Abstract

Alignment of tissue fibers, such as collagen, can be disrupted by some cancers. Mueller matrix polarimetry (MMP) is often correlated to this tissue orientation, as seen in cases such as cervical imaging. However, its bulk assessment of a sample’s polarimetric properties prevents it from distinguishing specific structures at different depths, as there would be in any non-uniform or multilayered sample. Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging (SFDI) is a well-documented technique that can be used to manipulate depth of penetration of an investigating light source through use of different sinusoidal frequency patterns. We have combined the two imaging modalities to investigate and differentiate between anisotropic samples with varied depth-dependent structure and demonstrate its use with various tissue phantoms. We also discuss some issues that arise with the combined methodology.