Common-path integrated low coherence interferometry system and method therefor
US10753724B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 2016 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 18, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B9/0209
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A low coherence interferometry imaging system comprising a common-path interferometer that is at least partially integrated as part of a planar lightwave circuit is disclosed. Imaging systems in accordance with the present invention are implemented in integrated optics without the inclusion of highly wavelength-sensitive components. As a result, they exhibit less wavelength dependence than PLC-based interferometers of the prior art. Further, the common-path interferometer arrangement of the present invention avoids polarization and wavelength dispersion effects that plague prior-art PLC-based interferometers. Still further, an integrated common-path interferometer is smaller and less complex than other integrated interferometers, which makes it possible to integrate multiple interferometers on a single chip, thereby enabling multi-signal systems, such as plane-wave parallel OCT systems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.