Interferometers for optical coherence domain reflectometry and optical coherence tomography using nonreciprocal optical elements
US6657727B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B2290/70
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An interferometer system includes an optical radiation source, an optical circulator connected between the optical radiation source and a sample location for transmitting optical radiation from the optical radiation source to the sample location, an output of the optical circulator connected to direct optical radiation to an optical detector. Various embodiments of such a system are possible. A method of performing OCDR or OCT imaging of a sample which involves the steps of: (a) producing low coherence optical radiation; (b) directing at least some of the low coherence optical radiation through an optical circulator to the sample; (c) reflecting at least some of the low coherence optical radiation off of the sample; and (d) detecting at least some of the reflected low coherence optical radiation and producing an electrical signal corresponding thereto.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.