Birefringence measurement in polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography using differential-envelope detection method

In this research, we integrated two demodulating logarithmic amplifiers with one differential amplifier for use in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer so as to obtain a two-channel polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography system. Birefringence signals can be acquired using this system along with a differential-envelope detection method. Because the two orthogonal polarizations are common-path propagation, common noise originating from background fluctuations or multiple scattering in turbid media can be reduced to improve the detection sensitivity and accuracy of birefringence measurement. Besides, this simple and effective technique is an analog detection method and is capable of providing high temporal response; it can also help obtain a high time-bandwidth product as compared to the conventional method of using a numerical method with a limited sampling rate. The feasibility of the proposed system is supported by theory and is also shown by performing experiments involving a human vessel, which is a highly scattering medium with weak birefringence.