Absolute fast axis determination using non-polarization-maintaining fiber-based polarization-sensitive optical...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Optical Coherence Tomography
• Polarization Optics

Background:

• Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) is crucial for analyzing birefringent properties of biological tissues.
• Accurate calibration is essential for reliable PS-OCT measurements, but traditional methods often require polarization-maintaining fibers.
• Developing calibration techniques compatible with standard, non-polarization-maintaining fibers is highly desirable for broader accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a new calibration technique for fiber-based PS-OCT systems.
• To enable accurate extraction of sample Jones matrix and fast-axis orientation.
• To demonstrate the technique's effectiveness using standard single-mode fibers.

Main Methods:

• A novel calibration method utilizing two quarter-wave plates (QWPs) in the sample arm was developed.
• The technique employs standard non-polarization-maintaining fiber (SMF-28).
• The system was implemented on a swept-source PS-OCT setup.

Main Results:

• The calibration technique accurately determines the Jones matrix of optical samples.
• Fast-axis orientation of samples can be reliably extracted.
• Successful validation was achieved using a quarter-wave plate and an equine tendon sample.

Conclusions:

• This fiber-based PS-OCT calibration method offers accurate Jones matrix and fast-axis orientation determination.
• The technique's reliance on standard SMF-28 fiber simplifies system design and reduces cost.
• It provides a robust and accessible approach for polarization-sensitive OCT imaging of biological tissues.