Open AccessDepth-resolved optic axis orientation in multiple layered anisotropic tissues measured with enhanced polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (EPS-OCT)
Author(s) -
Nate J. Kemp,
Haitham N. Zaatari,
Jesung Park,
H. G. Rylander,
Thomas E. Milner
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/opex.13.004507
Subject(s) - optical coherence tomography , optics , birefringence , optical axis , materials science , anisotropy , optical fiber , tomography , polarization (electrochemistry) , physics , chemistry , lens (geology)
Enhanced polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (EPS-OCT) is a noninvasive cross-sectional imaging technique capable of quantifying with high sensitivity the optically anisotropic properties of fibrous tissues. We present a method to measure the depth-resolved optic axis orientations in superficial and deep regions of multiple-layered form-birefringent tissue. Additionally, the bulk-optic EPS-OCT instrument provides anatomical fiber direction referenced absolutely to the laboratory frame, in contrast with fiber-based PS-OCT instruments which provide relative optic axis orientation measurements. Results presented on ex vivo murine tail tendon and porcine annulus fibrosis indicate that the method iscapable of characterizing depth-resolved fiber direction [ theta(z)], form-birefringence [Deltan(z)], and form-biattenuance [Delta chi(z)] for at least 10 successive lamellae and a depth of 0.52 mm into the intervertebral disc. Noninvasive assessment of optic axis orientation by EPS-OCT provides increased contrast in images of multiple-layered media and may improve the understanding of fibrous tissue ultrastructure and the diseases or traumas that affect fibrous tissues.