High-speed fiber–based polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography of in vivo human skin

TLDR

The authors developed a high‑speed single‑mode fiber‑based polarization‑sensitive OCT system. The system employs a polarization modulator to acquire depth‑resolved Stokes parameters for four input polarizations, a phase modulator in the reference arm to independently set axial scan rate and carrier frequency, and computes tissue phase‑retardation images from these parameters. In vivo imaging of human skin revealed subsurface structures invisible to conventional OCT.

Abstract

A high-speed single-mode fiber–based polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS OCT) system was developed. With a polarization modulator, Stokes parameters of reflected flight for four input polarization states are measured as a function of depth. A phase modulator in the reference arm of a Michelson interferometer permits independent control of the axial scan rate and carrier frequency. In vivo PS OCT images of human skin are presented, showing subsurface structures that are not discernible in conventional OCT images. A phase retardation image in tissue is calculated based on the reflected Stokes parameters of the four input polarization states.