Polarization-sensitive Optical Coherence Research Articles

A method of removing retardance induced by scattering of collagenous fiber bundles

In this work, we report a method of removing scattering induced retardance in polarization sensitive full field optical coherence tomography (PS-FFOCT). First, the Mueller matrix that describes its operation is derived. The thickness invariant retardance induced by the scattering of collagenous fiber bundles is then used to find the accurate values of the birefringence of the layers that consist collagenous fibers. Finally, the initial en face birefringent images of in vitro beef tendon samples are presented to demonstrate the capability of our method.

Polarization-sensitive interleaved optical coherence tomography

We introduce a new strategy for single-mode fiber based polarization-sensitive (PS-) optical coherence tomography (OCT) using orthogonally polarized optical frequency combs (OFC) in the sample arm. The two OFCs are tuned to be interleaved in the spectral domain, permitting simultaneous measurement of both polarization states from the same spatial region C close to the location of zero pathlength delay. The two polarization states of the beam in the sample arm are demultiplexed by interpolation after performing wavelength stabilization via a two-mirror calibration method. The system uses Jones matrix methods to measure quantitatively the round-trip phase retardation B-scans in the sample. A glass plate and quarter-wave plate were measured to validate the accuracy of the birefringence measurement. Further, we demonstrated the potential of this system for biomedical applications by measurement of chicken breast muscle.

Single-camera polarization-sensitive full-field optical coherence tomography with polarization switch

We present a single-channel detection-based polarization-sensitive full-field optical coherence tomography (PS-FF-OCT) for simultaneous acquisition of high-resolution OCT and linear retardance images. A linearly polarized sub-10-fs laser was used as a broadband light source for the OCT system. A bi-stable polarization switching device, composed of a ferroelectric liquid crystal cell and an analyzer, was employed to get the horizontal and the vertical polarization components of a full-field interference signal. The time-switched two perpendicular interference signals were sequentially recorded by a single charge-coupled device camera, then processed to extract en-face functional images of a biological sample. The rat tail tendon was imaged ex vivo to confirm the imaging feasibility of the proposed system, which showed axial and transverse resolutions of 2 and 1.3 μm, respectively.

Performance comparison between 8- and 14-bit-depth imaging in polarization-sensitive swept-source optical coherence tomography

Recently the effects of reduced bit-depth acquisition on swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) image quality have been evaluated by using simulations and empirical studies, showing that image acquisition at 8-bit depth allows high system sensitivity with only a minimal drop in the signal-to-noise ratio compared to higher bit-depth systems. However, in these studies the 8-bit data is actually 12- or 14-bit ADC data numerically truncated to 8 bits. In practice, a native 8-bit ADC could actually possess a true bit resolution lower than this due to the electronic jitter in the converter etc. We compare true 8- and 14-bit-depth imaging of SS-OCT and polarization-sensitive SS-OCT (PS-SS-OCT) by using two hardware-synchronized high-speed data acquisition (DAQ) boards. The two DAQ boards read exactly the same imaging data for comparison. The measured system sensitivity at 8-bit depth is comparable to that for 14-bit acquisition when using the more sensitive of the available full analog input voltage ranges of the ADC. Ex-vivo structural and birefringence images of equine tendon indicate no significant differences between images acquired by the two DAQ boards suggesting that 8-bit DAQ boards can be employed to increase imaging speeds and reduce storage in clinical SS-OCT/PS-SS-OCT systems. One possible disadvantage is a reduced imaging dynamic range which can manifest itself as an increase in image artifacts due to strong Fresnel reflection.

Polarization contrast imaging of biological tissues by polarization-sensitive Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography

Jones matrix imaging of biological samples by a polarization-sensitive Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography has been demonstrated using a two-dimensional CCD camera to obtain two spectra corresponding to the orthogonal polarization components simultaneously. The measurement results of a quarter-wave plate are compared between the two incident polarization sets, H-V linear and R-L circular polarization. Jones matrix imaging of the bovine tendon is demonstrated. Measured Jones matrix images are converted to equivalent Müller matrix images. Local polarization properties are obtained by longitudinal differentiation of Jones matrix components. The layered structure of the bovine tendon and birefringence are revealed.

Jones Matrix Imaging of Biological Samples Using Parallel-Detecting Polarization-Sensitive Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

A polarization-sensitive Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (PS-FD-OCT) system has been developed. By using a two-dimensional CCD camera, this PS-FD-OCT simultaneously obtains two spectral interferograms corresponding to orthogonal polarization components of a probing beam. FD-OCT avoids axial mechanical scanning, therefore, two OCT images are obtained by a single lateral scanning. This system requires only two one-dimensional scannings for determining the Muller matrix images of a sample. In the Muller matrix images, the birefringence properties of the inner surface of a porcine esophagus are revealed.