Optimization of optical spectral throughput of acousto-optic modulators for high-speed optical coherence tomography

We describe a generic method to optimize the optical spectral throughput of a pair of acousto-optic modulators (AOM) which can be used for introducing a frequency shift in ultrahigh-resolution heterodyne optical coherence tomography. Systematic and quantitative analysis of a pair of AOMs indicates that a configuration with a spectral bandwidth of more than 200 nm at a center wavelength of 825 nm (tunable) can be achieved. Using a pair of AOMs in conjunction with a broadband low coherence light source, real-time imaging of biological tissues with an axial resolution ~3 microm (in air) has been experimentally demonstrated with a high-speed OCT system.