Birefringence imaging in biological tissue using polarization sensitive optical coherent tomography
US6208415A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 1998 |
| Grant date | Mar 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B2290/70
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.