title: Mueller matrix group theory formalism for tissue imaging polarimetry contrast increase.
abstract: Optical characterization techniques provide a new approach to diagnostic imaging, with features such as a noninvasive or nonionizing character, as long as a resolution improvement. Intensity based measurements could be not enough for certain cases, and polarization information should be also used as a contrast parameter. Imaging polarimetry could be useful in many biomedical applications like dermatology or ophthalmology. Furthermore, it could be applied to the study of internal tissues through the use of optical fiber endoscopes, much less invasive that conventional biopsy. In this work the use of polarization parameters like the entropy factor, polarization components crosstalks or linear and circular polarization degrees is proposed as a way of improving tissue imaging contrast.
authors.affiliation: Applied Optical Techniques Group, Department of Electronics Technology, Systems and Automation Engineering, University of Cantabria, Avenida de los Castros s/n, 39005, Santander, Spain. ffanjul@teisa.unican.es
authors.forename: Felix
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fanjul-Vélez
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Samperio-García
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pereda-Cubián
authors.forename: José L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Arce-Diego
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008954:Models, Biological; D012031:Refractometry / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity