We present a polarimetric technique to improve fundus images that notably simplifies and extends a previous procedure [Opt. Lett.27, 830 (2002)]. A generator of varying polarization states was incorporated into the illumination path of a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. A series of four images, corresponding to independent incoming polarization states, were recorded. From these images, the spatially resolved elements of the top row of the Mueller matrix were computed. From these elements, images with the highest and lowest quality (according to different image quality metrics) were constructed, some of which provided improved visualization of fundus structures of clinical importance (vessels and optic nerve head). The metric values were better for these constructed images than for the initially recorded images and better than averaged images. Entropy is the metric that is most sensitive to differences in the image quality. Improved visualization of features could aid in the detection, localization, and tracking of ocular disease and may be applicable in other biomedical imaging.

We quantify the effects on scanning laser ophthalmoscope image quality of controlled amounts of scattered light, confocal pinhole diameter, and age. Optical volumes through the optic nerve head were recorded for a range of pinhole sizes in 12 subjects (19-64 years). The usefulness of various overall metrics in quantifying the changes in fundus image quality is assessed. For registered and averaged images, we calculated signal-to-noise ratio, entropy, and acutance. Entropy was best able to distinguish differing image quality. The optimum confocal pinhole diameter was found to be 50 microm (on the retina), providing improved axial resolution and image quality under all conditions.

Summary A simplified procedure based on Mueller‐matrix polarimetry has recently been reported as a method of retinal image improvement in a confocal ophthalmoscope [J. M. Bueno et al., J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 24, 1337 (2007)]. Here, we have applied the technique to imaging static samples providing well‐defined reflection properties. The method uses a generator of polarization states in the illumination pathway of a confocal scanning laser system. From the calculated four elements of the Mueller matrix of any sample and instrument combination, the best images defined by different metrics were constructed. For samples with specular, diffuse and mixed reflections, the best‐constructed images showed an enhancement in both objective and subjective image quality compared to the original images and those obtained from frame averaging. This technique could improve microscopic imaging in many diverse fields, particularly in biomedical imaging.

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