Optical vortex beams generated by conical refraction for tissue characterization

Topologically structured light carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) offers new opportunities for quantitative optical probing of biological tissues, yet its propagation in scattering media remains poorly understood. We report combined experimental and computational studies showing that optical vortex beams maintain their phase topology when transmitted through turbid tissue-like scattering medium and tissue samples. Using a modified Mach–Zehnder interferometer and a Monte Carlo–based photon transport model optimized for phase tracking, we compared conventional Laguerre–Gaussian modes with fractional-OAM beams generated by Conical Refraction. The results demonstrate that fractional vortex beams exhibit superior phase stability and sensitivity to microstructural variations, enabling precise, label-free tissue characterization.