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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
14:18
Automation of Mode Locking in a Nonlinear Polarization Rotation Fiber Laser through Output Polarization Measurements
Published on: February 28, 2016
Swept-source polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography based on polarization-maintaining fiber.
Muhammad K Al-Qaisi1, Taner Akkin
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 312 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Optics Express
|April 15, 2010
Summary
We developed a novel swept-source polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) system using polarization-maintaining fiber. This advanced PS-OCT provides detailed birefringence and reflectivity information for biological tissue imaging.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Optics
- Optical Imaging
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) provides valuable information on tissue birefringence.
- Conventional PS-OCT systems often require complex compensation for accurate birefringence measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a swept-source PS-OCT system utilizing polarization-maintaining fiber.
- To demonstrate the system's capability for high-dynamic-range imaging of biological tissues.
Main Methods:
- A swept-source laser (1290 nm, 28 kHz tuning rate) was integrated into a polarization-maintaining fiber interferometer.
- Balanced detection was employed for enhanced system performance.
- The system directly calculates retardance and optical axis orientation without external compensation.
Main Results:
- The system achieved high sensitivity (106.2 dB), comparable to existing setups.
- Accurate reflectivity and birefringence information were obtained in a single spectral sweep.
- High-dynamic-range images of biological tissues were successfully demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- The developed PM-fiber based PS-OCT system offers a simplified and effective approach for birefringence imaging.
- This technology has potential for advanced diagnostics and research in biomedical imaging.
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