Fractal anatomy: Imaging internal and ambient structures

Abstract

Fractal shapes reflect the behavior of complex natural systems, but can be generated by simple mathematical equations. Images of 3D fractals almost exclusively depict opaque surfaces, and use reflected light and shadows to simulate a physical realization of these virtual objects. But rich inner detail can be revealed by reinterpreting the fractal as a volume and considering material transparency, light absorption and refraction. This work explores the range of images made possible by employing volume rendering techniques inspired by medical image visualization.