Comparison of two Monte Carlo models of propagation of coherent polarized light in turbid scattering media

Abstract

Modeling the propagation of coherent polarized light through a turbid scattering medium using the Monte Carlo method enables better understanding of the peculiarities of image/signal formation in modern optical diagnostic techniques, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), coherent/enhanced backscattering, laser speckle imaging and diffusing-wave spectroscopy (DWS). Two major ways of modeling the propagation of coherent polarized light in scattering tissue-like media are currently in use. The first approach is tracking transformations of the electric field along ray propagation. Second one is developed in analogy to the iterative procedure of the solution of Bethe-Salpeter equation. In the current paper we compare these two approaches that have been extensively used in the past for simulation of coherent polarized light propagation in scattering tissue-like media, and quantitative assessment of the enhancement of coherent backscattering of light. In particular we compare the accuracy of each technique with the results obtained in experiments and with the results of known analytical solutions. The advantages and disadvantages of each technique and their further developments are discussed.