Polarization-sensitive complex Fourier domain optical coherence tomography for Jones matrix imaging of biological samples

A polarization-sensitive Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (PS-FD-OCT) system is demonstrated. This OCT system is based on a spectral interferometer, does not require mechanical axial scanning, and enables phase information to be used in an OCT image. Owing to this phase information, the system requires only two measurements for determining the Jones matrix images and Miller images of biological samples. This system reveals the birefringence properties of the inner surface of a porcine esophagus. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.