Abstract: An optical coherence tomographic imaging apparatus which has a light intensity varying portion provided on a first optical path for guiding a measuring beam to an object for varying an intensity of the measuring beam; an illumination condition varying portion for varying an illumination condition of the measuring beam that has passed through the light intensity varying portion for the object between a first illumination condition in which a center part of the measuring beam is not blocked and a second illumination condition in which the center part of the measuring beam is blocked; and an image forming portion for weighting a first tomographic image acquired in the first illumination condition and a second tomographic image acquired in the second illumination condition and composing the weighted first second tomographic images to form a third tomographic image.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for measuring a sample contact lens. In particular, the present invention has a housing to hold a sample contact lens to be measured, one or more movement stages connected to the housing, and an interferometer.

Abstract: An interferometer includes a variable optical path length reference mirror to produce a final interferogram from a combination of interferograms. Each of the interferograms is generated at a different optical path length of the reference mirror.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method as well as a corresponding system (50) for optical coherence tomography, where, by means of an optical coherence tomography equipment, a first image (60) is acquired in the region of a first plane of an object (1) and a second image (61) is acquired in the region of a second plane of the object (1), wherein the second plane of the object (1) is different from the first plane of the object (1). To facilitate a reliable and time-saving examination of the object (1), with the most straightforward handling possible, the first image (60) is acquired in the region of the first plane (S) of the object (1) and the second image (61) is acquired in the region of the second plane (F) of the object (1) in real time, and the first image (60) or the second image (61) is rendered as a real time image and the respectively other image, i.e.

Abstract: A system for inspecting specimens such as semiconductor wafers is provided. The system provides scanning of dual-sided specimens using a diffraction grating that widens and passes nth order (n>0) wave fronts to the specimen surface and a reflective surface for each channel of the light beam. Two channels and two reflective surfaces are preferably employed, and the wavefronts are combined using a second diffraction grating and passed to a camera system having a desired aspect ratio. The system preferably comprises a damping arrangement which filters unwanted acoustic and seismic vibration, including an optics arrangement which scans a first portion of the specimen and a translation or rotation arrangement for translating or rotating the specimen to a position where the optics arrangement can scan the remaining portion(s) of the specimen. The system further includes-means for stitching scans together, providing for smaller and less expensive optical elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for generating a scannable optical delay for a beam of light and an apparatus for Fourier domain optical coherence tomography having said apparatus for generating a scannable optical delay in its reference arm (15). The light beam is directed to a pivotably driven mirror (10) from where it is reflected to a fixed mirror (12), and from there back retro reflected along the reference arm (5). Lens optics (9) are provided to ensure accurate optical alignment in several pivot positions of the pivotably driven mirror (10).

Abstract: Systems for extended depth frequency domain optical coherence tomography are provided including a detection system configured to sample spectral elements at substantially equal frequency intervals, wherein a spectral width associated with the sampled spectral elements is not greater than one-half of the frequency interval. Related methods are also provided herein.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography (OCT) system comprising: a splitter configured to receive and split an optical source beam generating a reference beam and a sample beam, the sample beam directed at a sample and interacting with the sample to generate a return beam; a delay module configured to receive and introduce an optical delay in the reference beam, to generate a delayed reflected beam configured to interfere with the return beam to generate an interferogram; a spatial filter system capable of filtering randomly scattered light from at least one of the return beam or the interferogram; and a detector array to receive the interferogram for spatial and spectral analysis.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to an optical coherence tomography system that is reconfigurable between two different imaging modes and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Provided is an imaging apparatus using Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography, the imaging apparatus removing noises caused by the autocorrelation component of returning light to obtain a high-resolution tomographic image. A first switching unit 17 switches a first state in which returning light 12 is combined with reference light (a state in which the returning light 12 is conducted to a combining unit 22) and a second state different from the first state (a state in which the light path of the returning light 12 is blocked or changed). A controlling unit 18 controls the switching unit 17 to change the first and the second state. A interferometric information acquiring unit 19 acquires interferometric information on the returning light 12 and the reference light 14 using the reference light 14 or the returning light 12 detected by the detecting unit 16 in the second state and the combined light 15.

Abstract: An exemplary arrangement can be provided which can include a lens arrangement which can have at least two reflecting surfaces on opposing sides thereof, each of the reflecting surfaces can have a reflectivity that can be greater than 10%. The lens arrangement can include a gradient index lens, and can have a refractive optical element, a diffractive optical element, a planar convex lens, an aspheric lens, a ball lens or a cylindrical lens.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for generating tomography images, the apparatus including a detection unit configured to modulate each of incident beams into at least two basic modulated incident lights on the basis of at least a basic modulation parameter and into a target modulated incident light on the basis of a target modulation parameter, and to detect at least two basic interference signals and a target interference signal of an object; and an imaging unit configured to analyze the at least two basic interference signals to output a set target modulation parameter, to process the target interference signal as a target image of the object, and to output the target image.

Abstract: An optical sensor device (38) for use in a measuring and/or inspection apparatus comprises an optical sensor head (40) including a white light sensor (44) having a wideband radiation source (50), a wavelength-sensitive receiver (52) and a beam splitting means (60); and an objective (46) for directing a measuring beam onto an object to be measured and detecting a reflection beam reflected from the object to be measured. The optical sensor device (38) further comprises a video sensor (80), wherein the beam path of the video sensor (80) passes through the same objective (46) as that of the white light sensor (44) of the optical sensor head (40).

Abstract: A wear rate measurement method includes thermally coupling a focus ring having a top surface and a bottom surface with a reference piece having a bottom surface facing a susceptor and a top surface facing the focus ring; measuring a first optical path length of a low-coherence light beam that travels forward and backward within the focus ring by irradiating the low-coherence light beam to the focus ring orthogonally to the top surface and the bottom surface thereof; measuring a second optical path length of a low-coherence light beam that travels forward and backward within the reference piece by irradiating the low-coherence light beam to the reference piece orthogonally to the top surface and the bottom surface thereof; and calculating a wear rate of the focus ring based on a ratio between the first optical path length and the second optical path length.

Abstract: An OCT system and particularly its clock system generates a k-clock signal but also generates an optical frequency reference sweep signal that, for example, indicates the start of the sweep or an absolute frequency reference associated with the sweep at least for the purposes of sampling of the interference signal and/or processing of that interference signal into the OCT images. This optical frequency reference sweep signal is generated at exactly the same frequency of the swept optical signal from sweep to sweep of that signal. This ensures that the sampling of the interference signal occurs at the same frequencies, sweep to sweep. Such a system is relevant to a number of applications in which it is important that successive sweeps of the swept optical signal be very stable with respect to each other. One specific example is phase sensitive OCT. This requires that the sampling of the interference signal occurs at exactly the same frequency/wavelength on every axial line (A-line).

Abstract: The optical coherence tomography apparatus includes: a light source unit; a branch unit for branching light output from the light source unit into measurement light and reference light; an interference unit for causing reflection, the reflection being light returned from an object, which is illuminated with the measurement light, to interfere with the reference light; and a detection unit for receiving interference light from the interference unit so as to detect an intensity of the interference light. The optical coherence tomography apparatus acquires a tomographic image of the object based on the intensity of the interference light detected by the detection unit. The interference unit outputs first and second interference light having interference components having phases mutually different by ?. The first and second interference light output from the interference unit reaches the detection unit so that a time gap is generated between the first and second interference light.

Abstract: According to the invention, a monitoring device (12) is created for monitoring a thinning of at least one semiconductor wafer (4) in a wet etching unit (5), wherein the monitoring device (12) comprises a light source (14), which is designed to emit coherent light of a light wave band for which the semiconductor wafer (4) is optically transparent. The monitoring device (12) further comprises a measuring head (13), which is arranged contact-free with respect to a surface of the semiconductor wafer (4) to be etched, wherein the measuring head (13) is designed to irradiate the semiconductor wafer (4) with the coherent light of the light wave band and to receive radiation (16) reflected by the semiconductor wafer (4). Moreover, the monitoring device (12) comprises a spectrometer (17) and a beam splitter, via which the coherent light of the light wave band is directed to the measuring head (13) and the reflected radiation is directed to the spectrometer (17).

Abstract: An image data set acquired by an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system is corrected for effects due to motion of the sample. A first set of A-scans is acquired within a time short enough to avoid any significant motion of the sample. A second more extensive set of A-scans is acquired over an overlapping region on the sample. A-scans from the first set are matched with A-scans from the second set. Comparison of the OCT scanner coordinates that produced each A-scan in a matching pair reveals the displacement of the sample between acquisition of the first and second A-scans in the pair. Estimates of the sample displacement are used to correct the transverse and longitudinal coordinates of the A-scans in the second set, to form a motion-corrected OCT data set.

Abstract: An optical imaging system includes an optical radiation source, a frequency clock module outputting frequency clock signals, an optical interferometer, a data acquisition (DAQ) device triggered by the frequency clock signals, and a computer to perform multi-dimensional optical imaging of the samples. The frequency clock signals are processed by software or hardware to produce a record containing frequency-time relationship of the optical radiation source to externally clock the sampling process of the DAQ device. The system may employ over-sampling and various digital signal processing methods to improve image quality. The system further includes multiple stages of routers connecting the light source with a plurality of interferometers and a DAQ system externally clocked by frequency clock signals to perform high-speed multi-channel optical imaging of samples.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided. In particular, at least one first electro-magnetic radiation may be provided to a sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation can be provided to a non-reflective reference. A frequency of the first and/or second radiations varies over time. An interference is detected between at least one third radiation associated with the first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the second radiation. Alternatively, the first electro-magnetic radiation and/or second electro-magnetic radiation have a spectrum which changes over time. The spectrum may contain multiple frequencies at a particular time. In addition, it is possible to detect the interference signal between the third radiation and the fourth radiation in a first polarization state. Further, it may be preferable to detect a further interference signal between the third and fourth radiations in a second polarization state which is different from the first polarization state.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography device is disclosed for improved imaging. Reduced levels of speckle in the images generated by the device are obtained by forming a B-scan from a plurality of A-scans, wherein each resolution cell of the B-scan is generated through compounding of a subset of the A-scans and wherein at least some of the subset of A-scans are separated by at least half the diameter of a speckle cell both tangent to and orthogonal to the B-scan at that cell.

Abstract: An adaptive optics scanning system using a beam projection module with four or more axes of motion that can project and control the position and angle of a beam of light to or from an adaptive optics element. The adaptive optics scanning system is compact in size, overcoming the challenges of a traditional lens and mirror based pupil relay design. The adaptive optics scanning system has little to no dispersion, chromatic aberration, and off-axis aberration for improved optical performance. The system and methods for calibrating and optimizing the system are described. A modular adaptive optics unit that scans and interfaces an adaptive optics element is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and to a corresponding method for optical coherence tomography having an interferometer (10) for emitting light with which a specimen (1) is irradiated, the interferometer (10) comprising a beam splitter (13) and at least one reflector (12) the optical distance (I) of which from the beam splitter (13) can be changed by an optical path (L), and a detector (30) with a first number of detector elements arranged in a first area for collecting light which is reflected by the specimen (1). In order to be able to record images of a specimen, in particular in real time, more simply and quickly, the system is operated in a first mode in which light reflected by the specimen (1) is only collected by a second number of detector elements of the detector (30) and converted into corresponding detector signals, the second number of detector elements being smaller than the first number of detector elements.

Abstract: A schematic eye is used for the evaluation of the optical system of an optical coherence tomography apparatus which captures a tomogram of the fundus. The eye includes a first optical member which irradiated light from the optical system strikes and a second optical member which irradiated light from the first optical member strikes. A plurality of layers having different scattering intensities in the incident direction of irradiated light are formed on the second optical member.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a dual-etalon cavity-ring-down frequency-comb spectrometer system is described. A broad band light source is split into two beams. One beam travels through a first etalon and a sample under test, while the other beam travels through a second etalon, and the two beams are recombined onto a single detector. If the free spectral ranges (“FSR”) of the two etalons are not identical, the interference pattern at the detector will consist of a series of beat frequencies. By monitoring these beat frequencies, optical frequencies where light is absorbed may be determined.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography (OCT) image of the anterior chamber of an eye is processed to determine automatically a location in the image corresponding to Schwalbe's line. First, the method finds the location of the corneal endothelium. Then the method fits a model to the detected corneal endothelium. Then the method determines the location of Schwalbe's line based on the relationship between the detected corneal endothelium and the fitted model, such as where the detected corneal endothelium diverges most from the fitted model. The Schwalbe's line is used to obtain a numerical measure of the anterior chamber angle of the eye. The method can be used in a process for screening patients for glaucoma. In the case of patients found to be suffering from glaucoma, treatment can be performed.

Abstract: In part, the invention relates to methods, devices, and systems suitable for controlling a light source. The light source is configured for use in a data collection system such as an optical coherence tomography system. The light source can be controlled with a drive waveform. Linearizing and symmetrizing parameters of the light source such as forward and backward scan durations is achieved using a suitable drive waveform. Phase, amplitude, and other parameters for different harmonics of a fundamental wave can be identified that improve operating parameters such as the duty cycle and peak frequency matching between scans. The fundamental wave and one or more of such harmonics can be combined to generate the suitable drive wave form. The light source can include a tunable light source that includes or is in optical communication with a tunable filter.

Abstract: A motion-compensated optical coherence tomography system includes an optical coherence tomography sensor that includes a common-path optical fiber having an end for emitting light, reflecting reference light and receiving returned light for detection; a motion-compensation system attached to the common-path optical fiber and operable to move at least a portion of the optical fiber so as to compensate for motion between the end of the common-path optical fiber and an object being imaged; and a feedback control system configured to communicate with the optical coherence tomography sensor and the motion-compensation system. The feedback control system is configured to receive information concerning a measured distance of the end of the common-path optical fiber from the object and provide instructions to the motion-compensation system to decrease an amount of deviation of the measured distance from a desired distance.

Abstract: The time delay (and therefore the OPD) between object and reference beams in an interferometer is manipulated by changing the spectral properties of the source. The spectral distribution is tuned to produce a modulation peak at a value of OPD equal to the optical distance between the object and reference arms of a Fizeau interferometer, thereby enabling the use of its common-axis configuration to carry out white-light measurements free of coherence noise. Unwanted interferences from other reflections in the optical path are also removed by illuminating the object with appropriate spectral characteristics. OPD scanning is implemented without mechanical means by altering the source spectrum over time so as to shift the peak location by a predetermined scanning step between acquisition frames. The invention and its advantages are applicable to optical coherence tomography as well as conventional white light interferometry.

Abstract: The invention discloses an optical interferometer which can be used to provide simultaneous measurements over multiple path lengths and methods to employ such an interferometer as to achieve a variety of functions covering simultaneous measurements at different depths separated by an increment of a multiple differential delay in the interferometer as well as simultaneous polarization measurements from a given depth and imaging. Configurations and methods are presented to encode the axial length in an object under investigation using frequency shifting as well as chirping the frequency of signals determining the frequency shifting. Methods are disclosed on the combination of multiple path configurations as to achieve versatile functionality in measurements, by using either broadband excitation or swept source excitation, combined with either discreet frequency shifting or chirped frequency shifting. Under swept source excitation, the invention discloses a long axial range apparatus, with constant sensitivity.

Abstract: In an optical interference measuring method according to the present invention, light emitted from a light source unit is split into measuring light and reference light, coherent light is detected that is obtained by interference of the reference light and the measuring light reflected from or scattered rearward from a measuring object, an optical-path length adjustment mechanism provided in the optical path of the reference light is driven to change the optical path length of the reference light, it is decided whether an image based on the detected coherent light is a normal image or a folded image based on the coherent light having varied with the change of the optical path length of the reference light, and the measuring object is measured from the detected coherent light based on a result of the decision about whether the image is a normal image or a folded image.

Abstract: An optical coherence analysis system comprising: a first swept source that generates a first optical signal that is tuned over a first spectral scan band, a second swept source that generates a second optical signal that is tuned over a second spectral scan band, a combiner for combining the first optical signal and the second optical signal to form a combined optical signal, an interferometer for dividing the combined optical signal between a reference arm leading to a reference reflector and a sample arm leading to a sample, and a detector system for detecting an interference signal generated from the combined optical signal from the reference arm and from the sample arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and to a corresponding method for optical coherence tomography having an interferometer (10) which has a beam splitter (13), a first reflector (11) and a reflector (12) the optical distance (I) of which from the beam splitter (13) is changeable by a speed (v), and a detector (30) for collecting light which is reflected by a specimen (1) to be examined. In order to reduce the times required for the most reliable possible recording of interference patterns, provision is made such that the intensity of the light (14 or 4) injected into the interferometer (10) or emitted by the interferometer (10) is modulated with a modulation frequency (fM) which is not equal to the Doppler frequency (fD), the Doppler frequency (fD) being given by twice the ratio of the speed (v) of the change of the optical distance (I) between the reflector (12) and the beam splitter (13) to the average wavelength (?0) of the injected light (14): fM?fD=2·v/?0.

Abstract: An optical measuring element measures forces in at least one direction. The measuring element has a single-piece structure. There is an outside wall with notches introduced therein. Each notch defines parallel edges, and the notches define more or less elastically flexible zones in the structure and constitute the only connection between a first region and a second region of the structure. For optical distance measurements between the two regions of the structure, one or more optical fibers are each attached with one end thereof to a region of the structure such that reflective surfaces are located close to the ends. The reflective surfaces are firmly connected to another region. The optical fibers are disposed on the outside wall.

Abstract: An offset amount calibrating method that obtains the offset amount between a contact-type detector and an image probe for a surface profile measuring machine is provided. The method includes: setting on a stage a calibration jig that has a surface being provided with a lattice pattern with a level difference; measuring the lattice pattern of the calibration jig by the contact-type detector to obtain a first reference position of the lattice pattern; capturing the image of the lattice pattern of the calibration jig by the image probe to obtain a second reference position of the lattice pattern; and obtaining the offset amount from a difference between the first and second reference positions.

Abstract: Swept source designs that eliminate or significantly reduce artifacts in optical coherence tomography are presented. One embodiment of the present invention is a source design that frequency shifts the coherence revival interference signal to a frequency larger than the A/D detection bandwidth or the post-processing bandwidth. In another embodiment, the introduced frequency shift is large enough to introduce a Doppler shift of the modes of the laser, which causes a blurring of the comb function, and thus eliminates or reduces mode hopping. In another embodiment, adjusting the cavity optical path length prior to data acquisition depending on the given optical layout configuration to reduce or eliminate coherence revival artifacts is described.

Abstract: Optical coherence tomography systems for imaging a whole eye are provided including a sample arm including focal optics that are configured to rapidly switch between at least two scanning modes in less than about 1.0 second.

Abstract: An interferometric system for measuring a measured object, having an arrangement for generating a measuring beam path, measuring beams being directed at the measured object, having an arrangement for generating a reference beam path, reference beams being directed to a reference element, having an adjusting arrangement for adjusting a path difference between the measuring beams and the reference beams, and a having a detector for recording images of the superposition of the reference beams and the measuring beams reflected by the measured object. According to the present system, a synchronization arrangement is used to control the adjusting arrangement so that the path difference between the measuring beams and the reference beams is adjusted in synchronization with the images recorded by the detector. The present system also relates to a method for adjusting a path difference.

Abstract: A distance measuring apparatus and method that enable high-precision and high-speed measurement by canceling variations of a delay circuit in the apparatus are provided. Pulsed light is branched into first and second reference light, and transmitted measurement light, and the difference in detection time among the first reference light along a first path with no optical variations, the second reference light along a second path with an optical delay, and received measurement light from an object to be measured is measured. The received measurement light and the first reference light are temporally separate, distance is calculated from the difference in detection time between the received measurement light and the first reference light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for low coherence optical imaging, and more particularly to an apparatus for low coherence optical imaging which can obtain the information of the different depths of a sample simultaneously. The apparatus comprises a phase transformation unit or a beam shift unit. The phase transformation unit or beam shift unit transforms and reflects the reference light, such that the reflected reference light comprises different phases at the different positions of a cross-section. When the reference light and a information light from the sample are superimposed on a photo detector, the information of the different depths of the sample is obtained. By using the apparatus of the present invention, the elements, the volume, and the cost of the apparatus are reduced. Because of only two-dimensional scanning is required, the scanning rate is improved.

Abstract: Prior art coherent optical wave mixing has permitted two-dimensional maps from which coupled quantum transitions have been identified in molecular samples. However, extended signal accumulation times and computer processing are required for a detailed molecular analysis, which can lead to sample toxicity and difficulties in interpretation. These and other requirements are reduced by an apparatus arranged for the projection of an image that directly encodes quantum couplings from a sample. Such an apparatus includes a source component 36, a diffractive optical component 25 for generating at least three light fields 1, 2, 3 from one light field 23, one or more optical telescopes 26 and 27 wherein the transverse separation between optical paths is modified from that possible to define with a single telescope between common object and image points, a sample 11 containing said image point, and a means for resolving and detecting the angular variation of light emission from a sample.

Abstract: A non-invasive imaging and analysis method and system/apparatus suitable for non-invasive imaging and analysis of a target is disclosed. Targets include biological tissue structures or components; optical structures or components; electronic structures or components; or structures in general. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a precision optical measuring module that modifies the spatial separation of multiple reference interference signals by adjusting the separation between a partial reflective element and a full mirror mounted on a piezo device and determining the distance between surfaces or structures within the target by simultaneously monitoring the magnitude of the separation between the partial reflective element and the full mirror and processing generated interference signals.

Abstract: A profile measuring instrument includes: a fixed member of which position relative to a workpiece having a surface to be profile-measured is fixed; a scanning member supported by the fixed member and movable in a scan direction along the surface of the workpiece relative to the fixed member; a laser interferometer that detects a displacement of the surface of the workpiece along the scan direction. The laser interferometer includes: a polarizing beamsplitter provided to the scanning member; a reference mirror fixed to the fixed member; a measurement optical path extending from the polarizing beamsplitter to the workpiece; and a reference optical path extending from the polarizing beamsplitter to the reference mirror. A difference between an optical path length of the measurement optical path and an optical path length of the reference optical path is a predetermined tolerable error or less.

Abstract: A system is provided for optically measuring internal dimensions of a sample object comprising internal interfaces at which the refraction index changes so that a portion of incident light is backreflected and/or backscattered and can be detected by means of optical coherence tomography. The system comprises at least one first OCT device adapted to measure internal dimensions in a first partial volume of the object and at least one second OCT device adapted to measure internal dimensions in a second partial volume of the same object, wherein the second partial volume is at least partially different from the first partial volume.

Abstract: An interference signal processing method includes: dividing, into a measuring light beam and a reference light beam, each of a plurality of luminous fluxes which respectively have predetermined wavelength bands different from each other and which are emitted by sweeping the wavelength in the respective predetermined wavelength bands; detecting, for each of the luminous fluxes, an interference light signal between the reference light beam and a reflected light beam which is reflected from a measuring object at the time when the plurality of measuring light beams are irradiated onto the measuring object; calculating at least phase information of a plurality of detected interference light signals; and using, as a reference, the phase of the interference light signal obtained from the luminous flux of a first wavelength band, and of generating a corrected interference light signal by correcting, based on the phase information, the phase of the interference light signals obtained from the luminous fluxes of the pl

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical coherence tomography, in which a light source and an optical linear beam forming system are adopted to obtain two dimensional image of high quality resolution within short time without affection by any mechanical movements. For such purpose, the optical linear beam forming system (20) comprises semicy Under lens (21), convex lens (22) and slit (23) to implement the frequency domain optical coherence tomography. Parallel light beam from the light source is incident on the surface of the semicylinder lens (21), and focal line of the semicylinder lens (21) is located in front of the convex lens (22). The convex lens (22) has short focal point where the parallel light component converges and long focal point where the diverging light component converges. The slit (23) is located between the short focal point and the long focal point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and to a corresponding method for optical coherence tomography having an interferometer (10) for emitting light with which a specimen (1) is irradiated, the interferometer (10) comprising a beam splitter (13) and at least one reflector (12) the optical distance (I) of which from the beam splitter (13) can be changed by an optical path (L), and a detector (30) with a first number of detector elements arranged in a first area for collecting light which is reflected by the specimen (1). In order to be able to record images of a specimen, in particular in real time, more simply and quickly, the system is operated in a first mode in which light reflected by the specimen (1) is only collected by a second number of detector elements of the detector (30) and converted into corresponding detector signals, the second number of detector elements being smaller than the first number of detector elements.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for producing an OCT image from a swept laser source. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve producing light from a swept laser source, splitting the light into a first and a second portion, in which the first portion is sent to an OCT interferometer to produce an OCT signal and the second portion is sent to a uniform frequency sample clock, processing the second portion into an external clock signal that is accepted by a digitizer, sending the OCT signal and the clock signal to the digitizer, and generating an OCT image from a combination of the OCT signal and the clock signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual focusing optical coherence imaging system. The dual focusing optical coherence imaging system includes: a light source unit for generating broadband light; a main optical distributor for distributing the light generated from the light source to allow the light to be propagated; an interference unit including first and second interference parts for forming interference signals with respect to different focused areas of an object to be detected using the light distributed from the optical distributor, and a common sample arm commonly connected to the first and second interference parts; an optical switch connected to the first and second interference parts to select at least one of the interference signals transmitted from the first and second interference parts; and a detection unit for converting the interference signal selected by the optical switch according to a preset mode into an electrical signal.

Abstract: A method of emitting wavelength-swept light includes controlling either one or both of magnitudes and on/off timings of currents to be applied to a first gain medium of a first optical generator and a second gain medium of a second optical generator to control an intensity and a wavelength region of each of first wavelength-swept light and second wavelength-swept light; generating the first wavelength-swept light having a first center wavelength based on the current applied to the first gain medium of the first optical generator; generating the second wavelength-swept light having a second center wavelength based on the current applied to the second gain medium of the second optical generator; and emitting output wavelength-swept light by coupling the first wavelength-swept light and the second wavelength-swept light.