Mueller Matrix Polarimetric Imaging of Prostate Tissue Effect of Lapse on Polarization Properties

Polarimetric imaging technique is a beneficial and non-destructive tool for probing the structural properties of different tissues. The obtained optical signature matrix will help clinicians to evaluate the condition of tissues. As the polarimetric properties of tissues are dependent to the structure and cellular skeleton, time lapsing may introduce variation in the polarization properties. Based on this, in the current study we have investigated the polarization properties of human prostate tissue over time. In this regard we have used polarization imaging technique based on Mueller matrix imaging and polar decomposition of Mueller matrix for extraction of polarization indicators. The tests have been performed for sample tissues immediately after surgery, and at intermittent intervals. The polarization properties have been re-measured, to follow the changes in the polarization properties of tissue over the time. The results of our study indicate that the diattenuation increases and depolarization decreases over time which can be associated with the structural properties of tissue accordingly.