Single input state polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography with high resolution and polarization...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Medical Imaging
• Optical Physics

Background:

• Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) offers high-resolution imaging but suffers from polarization distortion.
• Imperfections in optical components like quarter-wave plates (QWP) and detection channel mismatches introduce significant artifacts.
• Accurate polarization state analysis is crucial for quantitative birefringence imaging in biological tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a robust correction method for polarization distortion in single-input PS-OCT systems.
• To improve the accuracy of retardation and optic axis orientation estimation, particularly in samples with low birefringence.
• To demonstrate the clinical applicability of the improved PS-OCT technique through imaging of various biological tissues.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a Jones matrix modeling approach to characterize and correct system-induced polarization distortions.
• Utilizing a high-resolution (axial resolution ~2.3 μm) single-input PS-OCT system operating at 840 nm.
• Validation through numerical simulations and quantitative imaging of a known birefringent sample.

Main Results:

• The proposed correction method significantly reduced noise levels in PS-OCT images.
• Improved accuracy in estimating retardation and optic axis orientation was achieved, especially for weakly birefringent samples.
• Successful birefringence imaging of swine retina, rat aortic wall, and rat esophageal mucosa demonstrated the method's effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• The Jones matrix-based correction method effectively mitigates polarization distortion in single-input PS-OCT.
• This technique enhances the reliability and precision of quantitative birefringence imaging.
• The validated approach holds significant potential for advanced diagnostic and research applications in clinical settings.