Polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography using a single-mode fiber based buffering concept

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive high-resolution imaging technique for acquiring cross-sectional and volumetric images of near-surface tissues and materials. While conventional OCT detects the reflectivity of scattering layers, the measurement of polarization dependent effects in tissue, like birefringence and depolarization, requires an extended setup. Therefore, common polarization sensitive OCT systems utilize a mostly complex setup of separate detectors for both orthogonal polarization states. We present an approach for single-mode fiber based polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) using a swept source laser, that solely requires a modification of the light source and is thereby applicable for common probes. This includes a buffered Fourier domain mode locked laser, whose sweep polarizations can be adjusted manually by polarization control paddles, and a self-made high-speed polarimeter for polarization monitoring. Additionally, a calibration concept for unambiguous orientation and retardation assignment is demonstrated, which allows data visualization similar to common PS-OCT systems.