Abstract
We analyze the influence of intrinsic polarization alignment on image quality and axial resolution employing a broadband 840 nm light source with an optical bandwidth of 160 nm and an output power of 12 mW tailored for spectral-domain optical coherence microscopy (SD-OCM) applications. Three superluminescent diodes (SLEDs) are integrated into a 14-pin butterfly module using a free-space micro-optical bench architecture, maintaining a constant polarization state across the full spectral output. We demonstrate superior imaging performance in comparison to traditionally coupled-SLED broadband light sources in a teleost model organism in-vivo.
Highlights
Since the early 1990s, optical coherence tomography (OCT) [1] became an established and important optical imaging modality, revolutionizing the field of ophthalmology [2], and aiding research and diagnosis in the fields of cardiology [3] and dermatology [4]
While imaging speed is important in the fields of ophthalmology, cardiology and dermatology, spectral bandwidth became important for ultra-high-resolution OCT microscopy
We demonstrated axial resolution degradation in the presence of birefringent material and tissue for optical coherence microscopy (OCM) and OCT systems based on bulk optics with sources that exhibit spectrally dependent polarization
Summary
Since the early 1990s, optical coherence tomography (OCT) [1] became an established and important optical imaging modality, revolutionizing the field of ophthalmology [2], and aiding research and diagnosis in the fields of cardiology [3] and dermatology [4]. Along with the introduction of time-domain OCT came considerable technological advancements in the area of broadband low coherent light source technology to enhance the axial resolution of OCT, enabling ultrahigh-resolution imaging in pre-clinical and clinical settings [5,6,7]. The use of superluminescent diodes (SLED), swept-wavelength laser sources (SS) and Fourier-domain mode-locked (FDML) lasers became more popular to satisfy the increasing demand for high-speed imaging in order to reduce motion artifacts [11,12,13,14]. While imaging speed is important in the fields of ophthalmology, cardiology and dermatology, spectral bandwidth became important for ultra-high-resolution OCT microscopy. The shorter wavelength region provides better axial resolution and increased contrast for a fixed bandwidth, while longer wavelengths are preferred to image below the surface in highly scattering tissue [15]
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