Open AccessAnalytical methods for scanning laser polarimetry
Author(s) -
Robert W. Knighton,
Xiang Huang
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.10.001179
Subject(s) - scanning laser polarimetry , polarimetry , birefringence , optics , sensitivity (control systems) , nerve fiber layer , laser , signal to noise ratio (imaging) , signal (programming language) , materials science , physics , optical coherence tomography , computer science , scattering , electronic engineering , programming language , engineering
Scanning laser polarimetry (SLP), a technology for glaucoma diagnosis, uses imaging polarimetry to detect the birefringence of the retinal nerve fiber layer. A simple model of SLP suggests an algorithm for calculating birefringence that, unlike previous methods, uses all of the data available in the images to achieve better signal-to-noise ratio and lower sensitivity to depolarization. The uncertainty of the calculated retardance is estimated and an appropriate averaging strategy to reduce uncertainty is demonstrated. Averaging over a large area of the macula of the eye is used in a new method for determining anterior segment birefringence.