LINE-FIELD SWEPT-SOURCE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM FOR NEAR INFRARED SPECTRAL REGION

Abstract

The system for line-field swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) for near infrared spectral range is considered. In this connection, for tomograms visualization, frequency of signal acquisition not less than 20 kHz is needed. It is inaccessible for 2D photo sensitive arrays. In order to solve this problem, it has been proposed to use the line array of photo detectors, which frame registration frequency reaches tens of kilohertz. Method. Peculiarity of the method consists in using illumination of an object under investigation by light intensity distribution in the form of line for providing maximum energy efficiency of optical system. In addition, it becomes possible to obtain B-scans without a need in lateral object scanning that increases the rate of formation and imaging of tomograms. Main Results. The OCT optical system using a high-speed array of photodetectors has been developed; aberration analysis has been carried out. Experimental investigations based on Linnik micro interferometer optical scheme has been carried out. Tomograms of different samples have been obtained. Practical Relevance. Тhe obtained results can be accepted as a basis for creation of compact high performance OCT system without lateral mechanical scanning.

Keywords

• optical coherence tomography
• OCT
• swept laser source
• line-field lightning
• aberrations
• optical systems modeling