Characterization of tooth structure and the dentin-enamel zone based on the Stokes–Mueller calculation

Abstract

This is the first study of dentin-enamel zone (DEZ) identification with tooth structure characterization based on the optical Stokes-Mueller measurement. Stokes vectors of a cross-sectional tooth slice were measured using various polarization inputs. The direction of the DEZ is different in enamel and dentin structures; therefore, the Stokes profiles can specifically characterize the structures based on the DEZ. This optical method, using polarimetry, provides a useful tool for characterizing tooth. © 2012 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).