Zhang, Ellen ZiyiVakoc, Benjamin2013-04-082011Zhang, Ellen Ziyi, and Benjamin J. Vakoc. 2011. Polarimetry noise in fiber-based optical coherence tomography instrumentation. Optics Express 19(18): 16830-16842.1094-4087http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:10511249High noise levels in fiber-based polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) have broadly limited its clinical utility. In this study we investigate contribution of polarization mode dispersion (PMD) to the polarimetry noise. We develop numerical models of the PS-OCT system including PMD and validate these models with empirical data. Using these models, we provide a framework for predicting noise levels, for processing signals to reduce noise, and for designing an optimized system.en-USJournal Article2013-04-0810.1364/OE.19.016830