Birefringence imaging in biological tissue using polarization sensitive optical coherent tomography

Patent · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2001

OSTI ID:873633

De Boer, Johannes F ^[1]; Milner, Thomas E ^[2]; Nelson, J Stuart ^[3]

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1. Irvine, CA
2. Austin, TX
3. Laguna Niguel, CA

Employing a low coherence Michelson interferometer, two dimensional images of optical birefringence in turbid samples as a function of depth are measured. Polarization sensitive detection of the signal formed by interference of backscattered light from the sample and a mirror or reference plane in the reference arm which defines a reference optical path length, give the optical phase delay between light propagating along the fast and slow axes of the birefringence sample. Images showing the change in birefringence in response to irradiation of the sample are produced as an example of the detection apparatus and methodology. The technique allow rapid, noncontact investigation of tissue or sample diagnostic imaging for various medical or materials procedures.

• Research Organization: Univ. of California (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: FG03-91ER61227
• Assignee: Regents of University of California (Oakland, CA)
• Patent Number(s): US 6208415
• OSTI ID: 873633
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

birefringence
imaging
biological
tissue
polarization
sensitive
optical
coherent
tomography
employing
coherence
michelson
interferometer
dimensional
images
turbid
samples
function
depth
measured
detection
signal
formed
interference
backscattered
light
sample
mirror
reference
plane
arm
defines
path
length
phase
delay
propagating
fast
slow
axes
change
response
irradiation
produced
example
apparatus
methodology
technique
allow
rapid
noncontact
investigation
diagnostic
various
medical
materials
procedures
reference plane
optical phase
phase delay
sensitive detection
detection apparatus
path length
scattered light
optical path
biological tissue
allow rapid
polarization sensitive
sensitive optical
diagnostic imaging
michelson interferometer
dimensional image
dimensional images
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