Narrowband wavelength selective detector applicable SD-OCT based on Fabry-Perot tunable filter and balanced photoreceiver

Abstract

We demonstrate a novel implementation of spectral domain OCT by using a proposed sweeping detector at 1320 nm wavelength range. A fiber pigtailed Fabry-Perot tunable filter is newly adapted to receive spectral interferometer information using a photo-receiver instead of using charged couple detector arrays. In order to show a possibility of the scheme in other view point, we have changed the position of the Fabry-Perot tunable filter of the interferometer. The combination of a super luminescent LED and a semiconductor optical amplifier was used as an optical source. Its output power is about 10 mW and the spectral bandwidth is about 60 nm. The filtered light after passing thorough the Fabry- Perot tunable filter has 0.15 nm instantaneous spectral linewidth with 1.3 mW average output power. The system with an axial resolution of 12 μm performed OCT imaging of a cornea of a rat eye proving potential about the application of the proposed sweeping detector OCT.