We use in-house polarization-sensitive Monte Carlo models to simulate the propagation of polarized light through anisotropic scattering media such as biological tissues. These simulations help interpret Mueller matrix measurements of tissue and connect them with polarimetric properties, evaluate penetration depth in reflection geometry, and provide valuable insights for the optimal design of polarimetric systems.
Impact of Fiber Crossing on Polarimetric Images of Healthy Brain White Matter
This study uses a polarized Monte Carlo algorithm to simulate backscattered wide-field Mueller matrix images of optical phantoms representing brain white matter. The model specifically incorporates crossing fiber bundles, capturing how their presence can erase the optical anisotropy that otherwise distinguishes healthy white matter from optically isotropic tumor tissue. By comparing simulated and experimental retardance and depolarization signatures, the model helps determine whether these two polarimetric parameters remain reliable intraoperative markers for tumor delineation even in regions of complex fiber architecture (M. Wang et al., Biomed. Opt. Express 16(12), 5261–5278 (2025), 10.1364/BOE.577075).
Structured-Illumination Mueller Matrix Imaging for Biomedical Tissue Characterization
Depth-sensitive polarimetric imaging of scattering anisotropic tissues in reflection geometry remains challenging because the detected signal integrates contributions from multiple tissue depths, mixing polarimetric signatures. Structured illumination offers a promising approach to modulate the penetration depth of light and, thus, to control the depth sensitivity of polarimetric measurements. A polarization-sensitive Monte Carlo algorithm, validated against Intralipid phantom measurements, was used to simulate Mueller matrix images of anisotropic scattering tissue under spatially structured illumination. Using birefringent bi-layer phantoms with orthogonal optical-axis orientations, the model reveals the physical mechanisms governing polarimetric image formation in layered anisotropic tissue under this illumination scheme. The results show that combining Mueller polarimetry with structured illumination enables depth-selective tissue characterization, opening new possibilities for intraoperative guidance in applications such as brain tumor, epilepsy, head-and-neck, cervical, and skin cancer surgery.
Related Publications
Wang, M., Chae, S., Lukinsone, V., Lucas, T., Rodríguez-Núñez, O., Gros, É., Hahne, C., Maragkou, T., McKinley, R., Schucht, P., Novikova, T.
Biomedical Optics Express, 16(12), 5261–5278·2025
Novikova, T., Ramella-Roman, J. C.
Polarization-Sensitive Monte Carlo
Polarized Light in Biomedical Imaging and Sensing, Springer·2023
Li, P., Lee, H. R., Chandel, S., Lotz, C., Groeber-Becker, F. K., Dembski, S., Ossikovski, R., Ma, H., Novikova, T.
Journal of Biomedical Optics, 25(1), 015002·2020
Antonelli, M.-R., Pierangelo, A., Novikova, T., Validire, P., Benali, A., Gayet, B., De Martino, A.
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