Depth-resolved birefringence and differential optical axis orientation measurements using fiber-based polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography

Conventional polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) can provide depth-resolved Stokes parameter measurements of light reflected from turbid media. A new algorithm, which takes into account changes in optical axis, is introduced to give depth-resolved birefringence and differential optical axis orientation images using fiber-based PS-OCT. Quaternion, a convenient mathematical tool, is used to represent an optical element and simplify the algorithm. Experimental results with beef tendon and rabbit tendon and muscle show that this technique has promising potential for imaging the birefringent structure of multiple-layer samples with varying optical axes.

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