Stefanie Marotta

Stokes parameter imaging of multi-index of refraction biological phantoms utilizing optically active molecular contrast agents

The purpose of this study is to assess the potential of novel molecular polarimetric imaging techniques utilizing multi-index of refraction targets, i.e. composite targets made from optically different media, immersed into biological fluids doped with optically active molecules and enzymes. The outcome of this study indicates that the application of Stokes parameter detection principles with concominant administration of fluids containing suitable optically active molecular contrast agents and high index of refraction molecules could enhance the detection and imaging process of internal structures by providing enhanced penetration depth, high contrast and high depolarized scatter rejection.

Polarimetric phenomenology of photons with lung cancer tissue

The objective of this study is to explore the polarimetric phenomenology of light interaction with healthy and early-stage lung cancer tissue samples by applying efficient polarimetric backscattering detection techniques combined with polarimetric exploratory data analysis. Preliminary results indicate that enhanced discrimination signatures can be obtained for certain types of early-stage lung cancers based on their depolarization, backscattered intensity and retardance characteristics.

Integrative paradigms bridging defense and bioscience

The objective of the study is to present integrative paradigms highlighting their applicability of polarimetry to multidisciplinary areas such as space defense and bioscience applications. Polarimetric sensing and imaging offer unique advantages for a wide range of detection and classification problems due to the intrinsic potential for high contrast in different polarization components of the backscattered light. Indeed, polarized imaging can yield high-specificity images under high-dynamic range and extreme condition scenarios, in scattering media, or cluttered environments, offering at the same instance information related to the object material composition and its surface characteristics. In this study, a new imaging approach based on polarimetric detection principles will be introduced and the Mueller matrix formalism will be defined, and will be applied for space applications, such as detection of unresolved objects, as well as for early cancer detection. The design principles of the liquid crystal polarimetric imaging system will be introduced and related to operating conditions and system performance metrics. The depolarization, diattenuation, and retardance of the materials will be estimated using Mueller matrix decomposition for different aspect angles.

Infrared photon discrimination of lung cancer cells

The objective of this study is to explore the polarimetric phenomenology of near infrared light interaction with healthy and lung cancer monolayer cells by using efficient polarimetric transmission detection techniques. Preliminary results indicate that enhanced discrimination between normal and different types of lung cancer cell stages can be achieved based on their transmitted intensities and depolarization properties of the cells. Specifically, the sizes of the nuclei of the cancer cells and the nucleus-to-cytoplasmic ratios appear to have potential impact on the detected polarimetric signatures leading to enhanced discrimination of lung cancer cells.

Near infrared light interaction with lung cancer cells

The objective of this study is to explore the phenomenology of near infrared (NIR) light interaction with healthy and early-lung cancer by combining efficient polarimetric backscattering detection techniques with Polarimetric Exploratory Data Analysis (pEDA). Preliminary results indicate that enhanced discrimination signatures can be obtained for certain types of lung cancers.

Efficient Molecular Imaging Techniques Using Optically Active Molecules

Efficient imaging techniques aimed at the increasing of the image contrast of a structure, surrounded by a scattering medium, using optically active and high index of refraction molecules as molecular contrast agents, are presented. Specifically, an enhanced degree of linear polarization (DOLP) target detection and imaging is obtained by doping the surrounding medium with molecular contrast agents consisting of aqueous glucose, aqueous alcohol, and salt molecules, in conjunction with advanced polarimetric imaging techniques. The outcome of this paper opens new horizons in the areas of imaging, with emphasis on medical arena, industry, and detection technology.

Polarimetric wavelet fractal remote sensing principles for space materials

A new remote sensing approach based on polarimetric wavelet fractal detection principles is introduced and the Mueller matrix formalism is defined, aimed at enhancing the detection, identification, characterization, and discrimination of unresolved space objects at different aspect angles. The design principles of a multifunctional liquid crystal monostatic polarimetric ladar are introduced and related to operating conditions and system performance metrics. Backscattered polarimetric signal contributions from different space materials were detected using a laboratory ladar testbed, and then analyzed using techniques based on wavelets and fractals. The depolarization, diattenuation, and retardance of the materials were estimated using Mueller matrix decomposition for different aspect angles. The outcome of this study indicates that polarimetric fractal wavelet principles may enhance the capabilities of the ladar to provide characterization and discrimination of unresolved space objects.

An automated ladar polarimetric system for remote characterization of space materials

The calibration, testing, and operational principles of an efficient multifunctional monostatic polarimetric ladar are introduced and related to the system performance metrics. The depolarization, diattenuation, and retardance of the materials were estimated using Mueller matrix (MM) decomposition for different aspect angles. The outcome of this study indicates that polarimetric principles may enhance the capabilities of the ladar to provide adequate characterization and discrimination of unresolved space objects.

Molecular imaging of tissue with high-contrast multispectral photosensitizing polarimetric imaging techniques

Backscattered laser beam contributions from biological fluids doped with optically active molecules were measured utilizing single-detection autobalanced polarimetric detection principles. The outcome of this study indicates that both the Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE) and the Degree of Linear polarization (DOLP) of backscattered optical signals increase with increasing the concentrations of molecular optically active dopants. This translates to enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and contrast.

Bioinformatics of Lung Cancer

The objective of this study is to explore novel bioinformatics techniques, namely, the Polarimetric Exploratory Data Analysis (pEDA), for early identification and discrimination of precancerous and cancerous lung tissues. The outcome of this study indicates that the full-width-at half maximum (FWHM) and Dynamic Range (DR) extracted from histograms of inherent (label-free) near infrared (NIR) diffused-polarimetric reflectance signals provide an important metrics for the characterization of cancerous tissue. Application of pEDA on the acquired data has been proved an effective diagnostic tool aimed at discriminating optical information among normal, precancerous, and cancerous lung tissue samples. Therefore, it can eventually be proved a useful diagnostic tool in the early detection of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) as well as in classical cytopathology and histopathology.