Experimental Demonstration of Signal-to-Noise-Ratio Improvement of Fourier-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract

A recent advance in optical coherence tomography (OCT), termed swept-source OCT, is generalized into a new technique, Fourier-domain OCT. It represents a realization of a full-field OCT system in place of the conventional serial image acquisition in transverse directions typically implemented in "flying-spot" mode. To realize the full-field image acquisition, a Fourier holography system illuminated with a swept-source is employed instead of a Michelson interferometer commonly used in OCT. Fourier-domain OCT offers a new leap in signal-to-noise ratio improvement, as compared to flying-spot OCT systems. This paper presents experimental evidence that the signal-to-noise ratio of this new technique is indeed improved.