Abstract

The influence of the microstructure of dentin and enamel on light propagation is investigated. Thin samples of dentin and enamel were cut, ground and polished. The microstructure of the samples was investigated with a confocal laser scanning microscope. The collimated transmission was measured between 450 and 950 nm to obtain the spectrally-resolved attenuation (scattering) coefficient. The phase functions of the thin samples were determined with a goniometer, with which the whole 4π-solid scattering angle can be measured. The experimental results were compared to theoretical data obtained from analysis of the scattering by the main microstructures. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations, which applied the derived phase functions, were used to calculate the light propagation of thick tissue samples.

© 2004 Optical Society of America