Polarization-degree imaging contrast in turbid media: a quantitative study

Scattering in biological tissue can degrade imaging contrast and reduce the probe depth. Polarization-based measurement has shown its advantages in overcoming such drawbacks. Here, linear and circular polarization degree imaging is applied to a comblike metal target submerged in Intralipid solutions. Contrasts of the metal bars are measured quantitatively as functions of the Intralipid concentration and the submersion depths. Different behaviors in contrast for linear and circular polarizations are compared. Contributions to the background of circular polarization degree images by backscattering, snake, and diffusive photons are examined carefully. (c) 2006 Optical Society of America.