Polarization-Preservation Analysis for Robust Reflection-Mode Optical Glucose Sensing in Turbid Media

Simplified Abstract
Non-invasive optical glucose sensing is often hindered by polarization scrambling in highly scattering media. This study investigates reflection-mode measurements using 532 nm and 660 nm wavelengths on skin-equivalent phantoms across glucose levels of 50–400 mg/dL.
By introducing a polarization-preservation ratio (PPR) for circular polarization, the research found that circular polarization combined with PPR offers superior stability and stronger glucose correlation compared to linear polarization and conventional metrics. At 660 nm, this approach remained robust even with pigment interference, demonstrating that circular polarization-preservation analysis is a highly effective strategy for glucose detection in turbid, scattering-dominant environments.
Key Takeaways
• Challenge: Multiple scattering in tissue disrupts standard optical signals.
• Solution: Use circular polarization and a new metric called PPR.
• Result: Stronger glucose correlation and improved interference resistance compared to traditional linear polarization methods.