[Optical model of Hunter-Schreger bands phenomenon in human dental enamel]

The comparative study of Hunter-Schreger bands patterns was performed in reflected light and under the illumination of enamel surface by He-Ne laser beam. In the absence of laser illumination the exterior of bands depends on direction of incident light. Under enamel surface laser illumination exterior of bands may coincide or not with patterns revealed in reflected light. The present paper gives the explanation of this phenomenon on base of waveguide character of light propagation in enamel prisms.