This book presents a new diagnostic approach that utilizes complex
statistical, correlation, fractal, and singular analysis of spatial
distribution of the Stokes vector of scattered polarized light in
different diffraction zones. The technique is able to identify changes
in the distribution of optical axes and the birefringent indices of
multi-layered fibrillar networks of biological tissues. The book also
presents various scenarios for the formation of polarization
singularities in laser speckle images of phase-inhomogeneous,
multi-layered biological tissues in terms of the characteristic values
of Mueller-matrix images. Moreover, in the context of potential
diagnostic applications, it discusses the states of polarization
singularities and their changes associated with the pathological
abnormalities of the extracellular matrix of human tissues, its spatial
peculiarities and structural orientation.