Simultaneous 0.8, 1.0, and 1.3 μm multispectral and common-path broadband source for optical coherence tomography

Area of Science:

• Nonlinear Optics
• Spectroscopy
• Optical Coherence Tomography

Background:

• Developing versatile light sources is crucial for advanced imaging techniques.
• Multispectral imaging offers enhanced contrast and information compared to single-wavelength methods.
• Existing light sources may lack the required spectral range, tunability, or power for specific applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a novel multispectral light source capable of simultaneous generation in the 0.8, 1.0, and 1.3 μm wavelength ranges.
• To analyze the output characteristics and tunability of the developed light source.
• To showcase the applicability of the light source in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Main Methods:

• Utilizing efficient energy conversion of 1.0 μm femtosecond pulses through a nonlinear fiber.
• Generating blue-shifted Cherenkov radiation (CR) in the 0.6-0.9 μm range.
• Leveraging soliton self-frequency shift (SSFS) for red-shifted emission in the 1.1-1.7 μm range.
• Analyzing output power-spectral densities and tunability by adjusting input power.

Main Results:

• Simultaneous generation of multispectral light across 0.8, 1.0, and 1.3 μm was achieved.
• The light source produced CR (0.6-0.9 μm) and SSFS (1.1-1.7 μm) with power-spectral densities exceeding 1 mW/nm.
• Central wavelengths of CR and SSFS emissions were easily tunable by altering input power.
• Successful demonstration of spectral-domain OCT imaging on an IR card and finger skin.

Conclusions:

• The developed nonlinear fiber-based light source offers simultaneous multispectral generation with high power-spectral densities.
• The source exhibits excellent wavelength tunability, controlled by input power.
• Its simplicity, ease of operation, and broad applicability make it suitable for various spectroscopic OCT applications.