2-DIMENSIONAL BIREFRINGENCE IMAGING IN BIOLOGICAL TISSUE BY POLARIZATION-SENSITIVE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY

Using a low-coherence Michelson interferometer, we measure two-dimensi onal images of optical birefringence in bovine tendon as a function of depth. Polarization-sensitive detection of the signal formed by inter ference of backscattered light from the sample and a mirror in the ref erence arm give the optical phase delay between light that is propagat ing along the fast and slow axes of the birefringent tendon. Images sh owing the change in birefringence in response to laser irradiation are presented. The technique permits rapid noncontact investigation of ti ssue structural properties through two-dimensional imaging of birefrin gence. (C) 1997 Optical Society of America.