We propose a method that utilizes the trajectory of output polarization states on the Poincaré sphere to derive depth-resolved birefringent information within samples using a fiber-based polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography. The apparent (or intermediate) optic axis and the local phase retardation are first obtained by fitting a plane to the adjacent output polarization states along depths in the Poincare sphere. A sequence of 3D rotation operation determined by the local birefringent property of the upper layers is then applied to the apparent axis to finally determine the local optic axis. This method requires only one input polarization state and is compatible with both free-space and fiber-based PSOCT systems, simplifying the imaging system setup. The theoretical framework is presented to derive the local phase retardation and optic axis from the output polarization states and then demonstrated by mapping local birefringent information of the mouse thigh tissue in vitro.

中文翻译：

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利用偏振敏感光学相干层析成像技术绘制样品局部双折射特性的偏振态跟踪方法

我们提出了一种方法，该方法利用庞加莱球上的输出偏振态轨迹来使用基于光纤的偏振敏感光学相干断层扫描来得出样品内的深度分辨双折射信息。视在（或中间）光轴和局部相位延迟首先通过将一个平面沿着庞加莱球体内的深度拟合到相邻的输出偏振态来获得。然后将由上层的局部双折射属性确定的3D旋转操作序列应用于视轴，以最终确定局部光轴。该方法仅需要一个输入偏振态，并且与自由空间和基于光纤的PSOCT系统兼容，从而简化了成像系统的设置。