Polarized light imaging of object hidden in scattering media: model experiments

Method of polarization visualization of superficial layers of multiply scattering medium containing macroinhomogeneities based on the analysis of polarization patterns of a backscattered linearly polarized light is discussed. The polarization properties of a backscattered light were studied for phantom scattering media (diluted milk with low concentrations). The influence of media scattering properties on inhomogeneity image obtained by use of the polarization degree and normalized scattered intensity as visualization parameters is discussed. Quality of reconstructed images was estimated in terms of spatial resolution and image contrast. Depth resolution of the considered polarization imaging in the backscattering mode is discussed. Phenomenological description of the polarization image formation is carried out by means of the concept of statistical distribution of effective optical paths of partial components of scattered optical field. Some peculiarities of the polarization characteristics of backward multiply scattered light, which influence on the polarization images formation, are discussed.