Quantitative single-mode fiber based PS-OCT with single input polarization state using Mueller matrix

Abstract

We present a simple but effective method to quantitatively measure the birefringence of tissue by an all single-mode fiber (SMF) based polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) with single input polarization state. We theoretically verify that our SMF based PS-OCT system can quantify the phase retardance and optic axis orientation after a simple calibration process using a quarter wave plate (QWP). Based on the proposed method, the quantification of the phase retardance and optic axis orientation of a Berek polarization compensator and biological tissues were demonstrated.