Image Enhancement in a Reflection Optical Microscope by Suppression of Diffusing Photons Using Polarizing Annular Objectives

In this report, we describe the implementation of an angle-gating mechanism into a reflection optical microscope for imaging through a turbid medium. A significant improvement in image resolution and contrast is obtained when a polarizing annular objective is used to image a reflective test bar through various turbid media. The experimental results confirm that the improvement is caused by the efficient suppression of diffused photons scattered from the turbid medium when a polarized annular objective is employed as an angular gate.