Abstract: Various methods are disclosed for mapping optical coherence tomography (OCT) data to facilitate review and diagnosis. In one aspect, high resolution 2D line scans are obtained along with lower density 3D cube scans and displayed in a manner to provide context to the clinician. In another aspect, OCT data is analyzed to provide information about non-uniformities of the tissue. Binary image maps of maps useful for determining tautness of membranes are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical assembly for use in an interferometer is provided. The optical assembly includes first and second partially reflective surfaces positioned along an optical axis and oriented at different non-normal angles to the optical axis. The second partially reflective surface is configured to receive light transmitted through the first partially reflective surface along the optical path, transmit a portion of the received light to a test object to define measurement light for the interferometer and reflect another portion of the received light back towards the first partially reflective surface to define reference light for the interferometer. The reference light makes at least one round trip path between the second and first partially reflective surfaces.

Abstract: Frequency domain optical coherence imaging systems have an optical source, an optical detector and an optical transmission path between the optical source and the optical detector. The optical transmission path between the optical source and the optical detector reduces an effective linewidth of the imaging system. The optical source may be a broadband source and the optical transmission path may include a periodic optical filter.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring a frequency-domain optical coherence tomography power spectrum from a sample. The apparatus includes a broadband light source, an optical spectrum analyzer, and a partially reflective element optically coupled to the light source, to the optical spectrum analyzer, and to the sample. A first portion of light from the light source is reflected by the partially reflective element and propagates to the optical spectrum analyzer. A second portion of light from the light source propagating through the partially reflective element, impinging the sample, reflecting from the sample, and propagating to the optical spectrum analyzer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for collecting structural data with spectral optical coherence tomography from samples having a point of maximum reflectance. This point of maximum reflectance is used for adjusting the scanned path pattern.

Abstract: A multi-beam interferometer, typically for use in Optical Coherence Tomography, comprising a multiple beam source, the source being arranged so as to provide, in use, a plurality of beams of light for use in the interferometer, the source comprising: a light source arranged to, in use, emit a beam of light; and a rattle plate comprising a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface facing one another, the second reflective surface being only partially reflective.

Abstract: A method for analyzing mucosa structure with optical coherence tomography (OCT) is provided, and includes: (a) scanning a mucosa sample with optical coherence tomography; (b) choosing a lateral range from a two- or three-dimensional OCT image and analyzing all the A-scan intensity profiles in the lateral range; (c) calculating three indicators in each A-scan intensity profile, including the standard deviation for a certain depth range below the sample surface, the exponential decay constant of the spatial-frequency spectrum and the epithelium thickness under the condition that the basement membrane is identifiable; and (d) using the three indicators of each A-scan intensity profile within the lateral range to analyze the mucosa structure.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical microscope (100) has a microscope main objective (101) and a viewing beam path (105) which passes through the microscope main objective (101) for visualizing an object region. The ophthalmic surgical microscope (100) includes an OCT-system (140) for recording images of the object region (108). The OCT-system (140) includes an OCT-scanning beam (142) which is guided via a scan mirror arrangement (146) to the object region (108). An optic element (147) is provided between the scan mirror arrangement (146) and the microscope main objective (101). This optic element (147) bundles the OCT-scanning radiation exiting from the scan mirror arrangement (146) and transfers the same into a beam path which passes through the microscope main objective (101). Alternatively or in addition, the ophthalmic surgical microscope (100) includes an ophthalmoscopic magnifier lens (132) which can be pivoted into and out of the viewing beam path (105) and the OCT-scanning beam (142).

Abstract: Methods of reducing motion artifacts in Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) include scanning a sample with a scan pattern to acquire OCT data at a plurality of data locations. The data locations are distributed in the scan pattern across the sample such that at least some spatially adjacent data locations are acquired non-sequentially in time. A profile of the sample corresponding to a sample surface or an aspect of an internal structure of the sample is estimated responsive the OCT data.

Abstract: Differences in the interferometric patterns of modulated telecommunication signals and broadband optical noise sources are identified and are exploited in measuring the optical signal-to-noise measurements in reconfigurable photonic networks. A light output power from said interferometer corresponding to a specified delay setting in the interferometer is measured, and a coherent optical signal is distinguished from the incoherent optical noise based on the light output power measurement.

Abstract: In a method of calibrating the pulse energy of a laser device which provides pulsed working laser radiation, by means of the working laser radiation, multiple test ablations, in particular multiple-pulse test ablations, are carried out on one or more test objects, each with different pulse energy. The ablation depth of each of the test ablations is measured, and then, on the basis of the measured ablation depths and a specified setpoint ablation depth, an associated setpoint pulse energy is determined and set on the laser device. According to the invention, the ablation depths are measured by means of a coherent optical interferometric measuring device. The invention also concerns a laser device, in particular to carry out the above method.

Abstract: A exemplary method for determining vibration displacement in interferometric scanning, in which two optical signals having a phase difference with each other of a high-coherence interferogram corresponding to a tested surface is detected for determining a shifting displacement between the reference plane of interferometric apparatus and the tested surface. In one embodiment, a series of the shifting displacements with respect to a time interval are measured for determining the vibrating frequency of the tested surface by spectrum analysis. Meanwhile, an exemplary interferometric apparatus is also disclosed for calculating the relative position between the tested surface and the reference plane of interferometric apparatus whereby the interferometric apparatus is capable of compensating influences of vibration caused by the environment or the tested surface itself so as to obtain the surface profile and vibration frequency of the tested surface.

Abstract: A system, process and software arrangement are provided to compensate for a dispersion in at least one portion of an image. In particular, information associated with the portion of the image is obtained. The portion of the image can be associated with an interference signal that includes a first electromagnetic radiation received from a sample and a second electromagnetic radiation received from a reference. The dispersion in the at least one portion of the image can be compensated by controlling a phase of at least one spectral component of the interference signal.

Abstract: A system, for determining characteristics of a beam wavefront and reshaping such wavefront, including: apparatus for sampling the wavefront curvature and generating outputs; apparatus for reshaping the wavefront; and apparatus for receiving the outputs, proportioning the outputs to match the inputs need to drive controls for the reshaping apparatus, and sending the proportioned outputs to the reshaping apparatus. The reshaping apparatus is, preferably, a deformable mirror. The sampling apparatus includes a distorted grating. The method includes: positioning the sampling apparatus in the bean path; positioning a reshaping apparatus in the beam path; sampling the curvature of the wavefront and generating outputs representative of the curvature thereof; sending the generated outputs to the proportioning apparatus; proportioning the outputs to match the inputs needed to drive the controls of the reshaping apparatus; and sending the proportioned outputs to the reshaping apparatus to change the shape thereof.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the invention features apparatus that includes a broadband scanning interferometry system including interferometer optics for combining test light from a test object with reference light from a reference object to form an interference pattern on a detector, wherein the test and reference light are derived from a common light source. The interferometry system further includes a scanning stage configured to scan an optical path difference (OPD) between the test and reference light from the common source to the detector and a detector system including the detector for recording the interference pattern for each of a series of OPD increments, wherein the frequency of each OPD increment defines a frame rate. The interferometer optics are configured to produce at least two monitor interferometry signals each indicative of changes in the OPD as the OPD is scanned, wherein the detector system is further configured to record the monitor interferometry signals.

Abstract: Devices, arrangements and apparatus adapted to propagate at least one electro-magnetic radiation are provided. In particular, a probe housing, a sample arm section and a reference arm section can be included. For example, the sample arm section can be at least partially situated within the probe housing, and configured to propagate a first portion of the electro-magnetic radiation that is intended to be forwarded to a sample. The reference arm section can be at least partially situated within the probe housing, and configured to propagate a second portion of the electro-magnetic radiation that is intended to be forwarded to a reference. In addition or as an alternative, an interferometer may be situated within the probe housing. The first and second portions may travel along substantially the same paths, and the electro-magnetic radiation can be generated by a narrowband light source that has a tunable center wavelength.

Abstract: Frequency domain optical coherence imaging systems have an optical source, an optical detector and an optical transmission path between the optical source and the optical detector. The optical transmission path between the optical source and the optical detector reduces an effective linewidth of the imaging system. The optical source may be a broadband source and the optical transmission path may include a periodic optical filter.

Abstract: A method and system for scanning a digital image for detecting the representation of an object, such as a face, and for reducing memory requirements of the computer system performing the image scan. One example method includes identifying an original image and downsamples the original image in an x-dimension and in a y-dimension to obtain a downsampled image that requires less storage space than the original digital image. A first scan is performed of the downsampled image to detect the representation of an object within the downsampled image. Then, the original digital image is divided into at least two image blocks, where each image block contains a portion of the original digital image. A second scan is then performed of each of the image blocks to detect the representation of the object within the image blocks.

Abstract: A fundus oculi observation device acts as an optical image measurement device capable of measuring an OCT image such as a tomographic image of a fundus oculi, or the like, and is configured so as to calculate the signal level of the formed OCT image, determine whether the signal level exceeds a threshold value, and change the position of a reference mirror so that the signal level is determined to exceed the threshold value.

Abstract: A device for the interferometric measurement of a sample, in particular the eye, including an interferometer arrangement with a first measurement beam path, through which a measurement beam falls onto the sample, and a first reference beam path, through which a reference beam runs, which is applied to the measuring beam for interference. The interferometer arrangement includes a second measuring beam path and/or second reference beam path. The optical path lengths of the second measuring beam path and/or second reference beam path are different from one of the first beam paths. The wave length difference is selected according to a distance of two measuring areas which are arranged at a distance in the depth direction of the sample.

Abstract: The relative position of a test surface is sequentially changed from a reference position where a surface central axis is aligned with a measurement optical axis such that the measurement optical axis is sequentially moved to a plurality of annular regions obtained by dividing the test surface in a diametric direction. The test surface is rotated on a rotation axis whenever the relative position is changed. Measurement light that travels while being converged by a Mirau objective interference optical system is radiated to the rotating test surface, and a one-dimensional image sensor captures interference fringes at each of a plurality of rotational positions. The shape information of each annular region is calculated on the basis of the captured interference fringes at each rotational position, and the shape information is connected to calculate the shape information of the entire measurement region.

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: Interferometry system are disclosed that include a detector sub-system including a monitor detector, interferometer optics for combining test light from a test object with primary reference light from a first reference interface and secondary reference light from a second reference interface to form a monitor interference pattern on a monitor detector, wherein the first and second reference interfaces are mechanically fixed with respect to each other and the test light, a scanning stage configured to scan an optical path difference (OPD) between the test light and the primary and secondary reference light to the monitor detector while the detector sub-system records the monitor interference pattern for each of a series of OPD increments, and an electronic processor electronically coupled to the detector sub-system and the scanning stage, the electronic processor being configured to determine information about the OPD increments based on the detected monitor interference pattern.

Abstract: A differential-phase polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography system includes a polarized heterodyne interferometer for generating a reference beam to be reflected by a movable mirror unit, and a signal beam to be reflected by an imaging plane in a specimen. The interferometer further generates a first electrical signal output corresponding to first linear polarized waves of the reference and signal beams, and a second electrical signal output corresponding to second linear polarized waves of the reference and signal beams. A differential amplifier receives the first and second electrical signal outputs, and generates a differential signal output therefrom. A data acquisition unit is used to measure amplitudes of the first and second electrical signal outputs and the differential signal output. A computing unit computes the amplitudes measured by the data acquisition unit to determine a reflectivity, a phase retardation, and a fast axis angle of the imaging plane in the specimen.

Abstract: An optical object measurement apparatus includes a light source for generating a low-coherent light beam, which is swept via an array of pinholes on a Nipkow disk that rotates about an axis. A beam splitter splits the swept light beam into a probe light beam toward an object to be measured and a reference light beam toward a reference optical path. The probe light beam from the object and the reference light that has traveled along the reference optical path are combined in the beam splitter to produce interference light. A two-dimensional image-capturing device detects the interference light and produces a video signal to provide reflection intensity information of the interior of the object. This allows an interference optical system to be readily realized and tomographic images of an object to be observed at high levels of resolution and contrast.

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: A surface inspection apparatus is provided based on an optical interference scheme using a wide-band laser light source, such as diode laser, for an interferometer. In the apparatus, a diode laser with a large spectrum width having a short coherence length is used as an emitted light source; modulation optical elements for performing modulation with slightly different frequencies, and optical path length varying optical elements for adjusting the optical path length are located in each of two optical paths between a branching optical element and a combining optical element; and the above-mentioned optical path length varying optical elements are adjusted, while measuring an interference intensity, so as to maximize the interference intensity.

Abstract: A compensation table for compensating interference signal obtained by OCT measurement is generated easily. When a reflection body interference signal is obtained by OCT measurement, the reflection body interference signal is compensated by a compensation table (Formula (1)) to obtain an evaluation output signal. Then, a spectrum of the evaluation output signal is calculated to obtain an evaluation value of the spectrum. Thereafter, a model coefficient is updated such that the evaluation value becomes small.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography device includes: a light source 16; a light splitting section 19 that splits light source light into reference light 19 and measuring light 28 with which a sample 22 is irradiated; an interfering section 19 that allows the measuring light 28 to interfere with the reference light 29 to generate interference light; a photodetectiong section 26 that measures interference light; a movable measuring head 201 that changes the irradiating position and/or direction, irradiated with the measuring light 28, by a motion of the measuring head 20; a mechanical quantity sensor 38 that measures the motion of the measuring head 201; and an operating section 27 that obtains information on the sample 22, based on the interference light measured by a photodetectiong section 26 and the motion of the measuring head 201 measured by the mechanical quantity sensor 38. Thus, an optical coherence tomography device capable of capturing an image at a high speed with a simple structure can be provided.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography apparatus includes a light source, a light coupling module, and an optical path difference generating module. The light source emits a coherent light. The light coupling module divides the coherent light into a first incident light and a second incident light. The first incident light is emitted to an item to be inspected and a first reflected light is generated. The second incident light is emitted to the optical path difference generating module, a second reflected light is generated according to the second incident light by the optical path difference generating module through changing the transparent/reflection properties of at least one optical devices of the optical path difference generating module, so that there is a optical path difference between the first reflected light and the second reflected light.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system including: (i) an interferometer configured to direct test electromagnetic radiation to a test surface and reference electromagnetic radiation to a reference surface and subsequently combine the electromagnetic radiation to form an interference pattern, the electromagnetic radiation being derived from a common source; (ii) a multi-element detector; and (iii) one or more optics configured to image the interference pattern onto the detector so that different elements of the detector correspond to different illumination angles of the test surface by the test electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography apparatus includes a light source for generating a low-coherent light beam, which is split into a probe light beam toward the object and a reference light beam toward a reference optical path. The probe light beam is swept one-dimensionally at a predetermined frequency. An interference light beam is produced by interference between the probe light beam from the object and the reference light beam that has traveled along the reference optical path. The interference light beam is re-swept in the same direction and at the same frequency as the probe light beam. A two-dimensional image-capturing device detects the re-swept interference light beam at a frame rate corresponding to the light beam sweeping frequency and produces a video signal, which is processed to provide reflection intensity information of an interior of an object to be measured.

Abstract: An optical image measurement device comprises: a light source configured to output a light having low temporal coherence and low spatial coherence; an optical system configured to split the light into a signal light and a reference light and superimpose the signal light having passed through a measured object and the reference light, thereby generating an interference light; a light receiver configured to receive the interference light and output an electric signal; and a forming part configured to form an image of the measured object based on the electric signal, wherein: the light receiver has a light receiving face on which a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged 2-dimensionally; and the optical system projects the interference light onto the light receiving face so that a size of the spatial coherent region of the interference light becomes equal to or larger than a size of the light receiving element.

Abstract: Broadband light is directed along sample and reference paths such that light reflected by a sample surface and light reflected by a reference surface interfere. A mover effects relative movement between the sample and reference surfaces along a scan path. A detector senses a series of light intensity values representing interference fringes produced by a sample surface region during the movement. A data processor processes the intensity values as they are received to produce coherence peak position data and, after completion of a measurement operation, uses this coherence peak position data to obtain data indicative of the height of the surface region. The data processor includes a correlator for correlating intensity values with correlation function data to provide correlation data to enable identification of a position of a coherence peak. A surface topography determiner determines a height of a sample surface region from coherence peak position data.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for aligning a measured object (2) with a detector (5), said arrangement comprising illumination means (10) producing an illumination beam path (15) and used to illuminate the object (2) to be measured, and adjusting means (8) used to adjust the position of the object (2) to be measured in relation to the detector (5). According to the invention, the illumination means (10) comprise at least two individually controllable partial illumination means (12, 13).

Abstract: A semiconductor light emitting element is equipped with a layered structure including an active layer, and electrode layers at the upper and lower surfaces thereof. At least one of the upper and lower electrode layers is divided into at least two electrodes, which are separated in the wave guiding direction of light. The active layer is structured to have different gain wavelengths along the wave guiding direction, to emit light having different spectra from each region corresponding to each of the at least two electrodes. The spectral distribution of output light is enabled to be varied by individually varying the current injected by each of the at least two divided electrodes.

Abstract: A single fiber full-field optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging probe (300) includes a hollow tube (301), and a single fiber (305) disposed within the tube for transmitting light received from a broadband light source to a beam splitter (350) in the tube optically coupled to the single fiber (305). The beam splitter (350) splits the light into a first and a second optical beam, wherein the first beam is optically coupled to a reference arm including a MEMS reference micromirror (335) which provides axial scanning and the second beam is optically coupled to a sample arm for probing a sample to be imaged. Both the reference arm and the sample ami are disposed in the tube. A photodetector array (315) is preferably disposed inside the tube (301) optically coupled to the beam splitter (350). The photodetector array (315) receives a reflected beam from the MEMS reference micromirror (335) and a scattered beam from the sample to form an image of the sample.

Abstract: When reflection light, reflected from a measurement target that has been irradiated with measurement light in such a manner to scan the measurement target, and reference light are combined in each wavelength sweep, interference light is detected as interference signals. When a thinning region in which the interference signals obtained by detecting the interference light in each wavelength sweep are thinned so that the interference signals that are used to produce the tomographic image remain is set, thinning is performed on the plurality of interference signals in the thinning region. Light intensity information about the measurement target in the thinning region is obtained, based on the interference signals for the respective wavelength sweeps, the interference signals remaining after thinning. The tomographic image in the thinning region is produced based on the obtained light intensity information.

Abstract: An optical imaging system includes an optical radiation source (410, 510), a frequency clock module outputting frequency clock signals (420), an optical interferometer (430), a data acquisition (DAQ) device (440) triggered by the frequency clock signals, and a computer (450) 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 (410, 510) to trigger the sampling process of the DAQ device (440). The system may employ over-sampling and various digital signal processing methods to improve image quality. The system further includes multiple stages of routers (1418, 1425) connecting the light source (1410) with a plurality of interferometers (1420a-1420n) and a DAQ system (1450) triggered by frequency clock signals to perform high-speed multi-channel optical imaging of samples.

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: Provided herein are systems, methods, and compositions for optical coherence tomography implementations. The OCT implementation generally applies to both spectrometer-based and swept source-based implementations of PS-FD-OCT, and also to both fiber based and bulk-optical and Michelson and Mach-Zender PS-OCT implementations, where the detection arm is free from two photoreceivers or spectrometers for detecting the interference of the first polarization state and the second polarization state.

Abstract: Methods, fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FDOCT) interferometers and computer program products are provided for removing undesired artifacts in FDOCT systems using continuous phase modulation. A variable phase delay is introduced between a reference arm and a sample arm of an FDOCT interferometer using continuous phase modulation. Two or more spectral interferograms having different phase delay integration times are generated. The spectral interferograms are combined using signal processing to remove the undesired artifacts. Systems and methods for switching between stepped and continuous phase shifting Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FDOCT) and polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PSOCT) are also provided herein.

Abstract: A shape measuring apparatus for measuring the shape of a measurement target surface includes an interferometer and computer. The interferometer senses interference light formed by measurement light from the measurement target surface and reference light by a photoelectric converter, while changing the light path length of the measurement light or the reference light. The computer Fourier-transforms a first interference signal sensed by the photoelectric converter to obtain a phase distribution and an amplitude distribution, shapes the amplitude distribution, inversely Fourier-transforms the phase distribution and the shaped amplitude distribution to obtain a second interference signal, and determines the shape of the measurement target surface based on the second interference signal.

Abstract: A compact OCT-like scanning device reduces radiation back-propagating to the radiation source by means of a polarized optical element that is reflective for linearly polarized light or radiation at one orientation and which is transmissive for radiation orthogonal to the reflected linearly polarized light or radiation. The device is also compatible with viewing the surface of the target being scanned either directly by visual means or by means of a camera.

Abstract: A digitized image of an object may include representations of portions of the object that are obscured, occluded or otherwise unobservable. The image may be a multi-dimensional visual representation of dentition. Characteristics of the dentition and its surfaces, contours, and shape may be determined and/or analyzed. A light may be directed toward and reflected from the dentition. The reflected light may be combined with a reference to determine characteristics of the dentition, including obscured areas such as subgingival tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for increasing the sensitivity in the detection of optical coherence tomography and low coherence interferometry (“LCI”) signals by detecting a parallel set of spectral bands, each band being a unique combination of optical frequencies. The LCI broad bandwidth source is split into N spectral bands. The N spectral bands are individually detected and processed to provide an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio by a factor of N. Each spectral band is detected by a separate photo detector and amplified. For each spectral band the signal is band pass filtered around the signal band by analog electronics and digitized, or, alternatively, the signal may be digitized and band pass filtered in software. As a consequence, the shot noise contribution to the signal is reduced by a factor equal to the number of spectral bands. The signal remains the same. The reduction of the shot noise increases the dynamic range and sensitivity of the system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for performing real-time quadrature projection based FDOCT are disclosed. According to one method, a plurality of interferogram signals is phase shifted. A Fourier transform is applied to each of the plurality of interferogram signals. Depth dependence of the plurality of transformed interferogram signals is then removed. A real quadrature component and an imaginary quadrature component for each of the plurality of transformed interferogram signals are subsequently calculated. The real quadrature components of the transformed interferogram signals are combined to obtain a derived real component and the imaginary quadrature components of the transformed interferogram signals are combined to obtain a derived imaginary component. A full-range depth profile of the object is constructed by adding the derived real component to the product of the derived imaginary component and a scaling factor.

Abstract: A device for an interferometric measuring device having a first interferometer and a second interferometer, short coherent radiation being supplied to the first interferometer via a radiation source which is split into to beam components by a first beam splitter; and the optical path length in a beam component being longer than in the other beam component to the effect that the optical path difference is greater than the coherence length of the radiation; before emerging from the first interferometer, the two beam components being recombined and supplied to the second interferometer, which splits the radiation into two additional beam components; the optical path lengths of the two beam components being different to the effect that the optical path difference registered in the first interferometer is balanced again; the optical path length for the respective beam component in the first and the second interferometer being able to be set by at least one movable optical component, and the movable optical compone

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining depth-resolved spectra for the purpose of determining the size of scatterers by measuring their elastic scattering properties. Depth resolution is achieved by using a white light source in a Michelson interferometer and dispersing a mixed signal and reference fields. The measured spectrum is Fourier transformed to obtain an axial spatial cross-correlation between the signal and reference fields with near 1 ?m depth-resolution. The spectral dependence of scattering by the sample is determined by windowing the spectrum to measure the scattering amplitude as a function of wavenumber.

Abstract: A method is described for determining depth-resolved backscatter characteristics of scatterers within a sample, comprising the steps of: acquiring a plurality of sets of cross-correlation interferogram data using an interferometer having a sample arm with the sample in the sample arm, wherein the sample includes a distribution of scatterers therein, and wherein the acquiring step includes the step of altering the distribution of scatterers within the sample with respect to the sample arm for substantially each acquisition; and averaging, in the Fourier domain, the cross-correlation interferogram data, thereby revealing backscattering characteristics of the scatterers within the sample.