Low coherence interferometric device
US6144449A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 28, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B2006/12104
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Low coherence interferometer apparatus for investigation of a sample (15), in particular for multidimensional imaging, having an interferometer configuration (2) comprising a low coherence light source, a probe head (9) having a light exit opening (16) for irradiating light into the sample, an optical coupler, a reference reflector and a detector (13). The optical paths between the elements of the interferometer configuration (2) form interferometer arms. The optical coupler and the reference arm of the interferometer configuration (2) are integrated into a common optical chip (28). In addition to the reference reflector (11), the reference arm comprises a deflection reflector (33) formed on an end surface (35) of the optical chip (28) in such a manner that the reference light is cross-coupled between a first light guide (10a) forming a first portion of the reference arm (10) and a second light guide (10b) forming a second portion of the reference arm (10).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.