Spectrally sparse optical coherence tomography

Abstract

Swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) typically relies on expensive and complex swept-source lasers, the cost of which currently limits the suitability of OCT for new applications. In this work, we demonstrate spectrally sparse OCT utilizing randomly spaced low-bandwidth optical chirps, suitable for low-cost implementation with telecommunications grade devices. Micron scale distance estimation accuracy with a resolution of 40 μm at a standoff imaging distance greater than 10 cm is demonstrated using a stepped chirp approach with approximately 23% occupancy of 4 THz bandwidth. For imaging of sparse scenes, comparable performance to full bandwidth occupancy is verified for metallic targets.

Maximum Likelihood Surface Profilometry Via Optical coherence Tomography

“…The first demonstrations of OCT were for ocular imaging [1,2], and the technique has now become standard for that application. Although initially conceived as a method of imaging into an optically transparent volume, OCT has also been used for non-contact profilometry, or measuring the topography of an opaque surface, with applications including dermatology [3], varnish monitoring [4], and component inspection in industrial settings [5,6,7].…”