Efficient sweep buffering in swept source optical coherence tomography using a fast optical switch.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography (SSOCT) systems often face limitations in A-scan rate due to low duty cycle lasers.
• Existing buffering techniques can be power-inefficient and increase patient light exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel buffering technique to enhance SSOCT system performance.
• To improve power efficiency, reduce patient light exposure, and increase imaging speed and depth.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a buffering technique utilizing a fast optical switch (60 ns switching time).
• Managed polarization to mitigate polarization mode dispersion artifacts.
• Employed numerical compensation for recalibrating buffered sweeps using Mach-Zehnder interferometer clock signals.
• Integrated coherence revival to extend imaging depth.

Main Results:

• Achieved a doubled A-scan rate from 100 kHz to 200 kHz.
• Extended the imaging depth to 9 mm.
• Demonstrated a more power-efficient system with increased sensitivity due to reduced light exposure.
• Successfully acquired images of human anterior segments and retinas.

Conclusions:

• The novel buffering technique significantly enhances SSOCT system speed and imaging depth.
• The method offers improved power efficiency and patient safety.
• This approach is feasible for advanced ophthalmic and anterior segment imaging.