Optical amplification in coherent optical frequency modulated continuous wave reflectometry
US6900943B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 31, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 17, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/0066
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates to an apparatus for optical coherence reflectometry, in particular for optical coherence tomography, wherein the apparatus for optical coherence reflectometry comprises a wavelength scanning laser source for providing a light signal, and splitting means for dividing said light signal into a sample light field and a reference light field, wherein the sample light field is directed to the sample being measured, and the light reflected from the sample is amplified without correspondingly amplifying the light reflected in the reference light field. Thereby, it is possible to direct substantially all light energy from the first reflected light field to the detectors, and to obtain fully the utilization of the amplification of the first reflected light field. The optica amplifier inserted in the sample reflected light field is different from the source so that the effect of the light source may be regulated independent of the degree of amplification. In particular when using the apparatus in coherent optical FMCW reflectometry certain safety regulations for the power density towards the sample has to be observed to reduce the risk of damages to the sample un…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.