title: A Mueller matrix model of Haidinger's brushes.
abstract: Stokes vectors and Mueller matrices are used to model the polarisation properties (birefringence, dichroism and depolarisation) of any optical system, in particular the human eye. An explanation of the form and behaviour of the entoptic phenomenon of Haidinger's brushes is derived that complements and expands upon a previous study. The relationship between the appearance of Haidinger's brushes and intrinsic ocular retardation is quantified and the model allows prediction of the effect of any retarder of any orientation placed between a source of polarised light and the eye. The simple relationship of minimum contrast of Haidinger's brushes to the cosine of total retardation is derived.
authors.affiliation: The Machen Eye Unit, Warwick Hospital, South Warwickshire NHS Trust, Lakin Road, Warwick CV34 5BW, UK. hx14@dial.pipex.com
authors.forename: Gary P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Misson
mesh_terms: D001718:Birefringence; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000502:physiology*; D008433:Mathematics; D008954:Models, Biological; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D014788:Vision, Entoptic / Q000502:physiology*