Form and behaviour of Haidinger's brushes

A computer simulation of Haidinger's brushes that is based on the optics of a radially symmetrical array of dichroic elements is presented. The simulation describes the perceived distribution of intensity and contrast of Haidinger's brushes when observed with monochromatic plane polarized light at different orientations. In addition, the behaviour of Haidinger's brushes when the plane of polarization is rotated, and their modification by optical retarders, is reproduced. The similarity between the simulation and the reported behaviour of Haidinger's brushes is consistent with the theory that the phenomenon results from a symmetrical distribution of dichroic pigment molecules within the macula.