Systematic design of a cross-polarized dermoscope for visual inspection and digital imaging

Adermoscope is a diagnostic device that can image the skin in situ and is used for early diagnosis of melanoma and pigmented skin lesions. In this paper, we describe the design and construction of a cross-polarized dermoscope including the illumination evaluation, imaging design, and the mechanical setup. By using the cross-polarization dermoscope, specular reflection from the superficial layer of the skin is largely eliminated. Therefore, deeper layers of the skin, such as the inner pigments and the capillary blood vessels, can be visualized.