En-face oct with parallel detector array

An OCT apparatus, wherein an object light beam is returned from target and interferes with a reference light beam, and wherein image information is obtained from a depth Z in the target that depends on the optical path difference between the object and reference beams with a resolution that depends on the coherence length of the light, comprising:

• a scanner for transversely scanning the target with the object beam over a plurality of image points defined by the resolution of the apparatus;
• an array of detector elements;
• interface optics for directing the reference and object beams onto the array of detector elements such that the optical path difference between the reference beam and the object beam varies across the array, whereby the reference beam and the object beam interfere with each other over said array of detector elements for individual image points on the target during each transverse scan;
• a memory for storing a subset of data points corresponding to each said individual image point and obtained from each detector element of the array;
• and
• a processor for processing one or more of said subsets of data points to derive image information extending over a range of depths in the target for each said individual image point;
• and
• a display device for displaying said image information.

A detector for an OCT apparatus, wherein an object light beam is returned from target and interferes with a reference light beam, and wherein image information is obtained from a depth Z in the target that depends on the optical path difference between the object and reference beams with a resolution that depends on the coherence length of the light, comprising:

• an array of detector elements;
• a first input for receiving an optical fiber carrying a reference beam;
• a second input for receiving an optical fiber carrying an object beam;
• and
• interface optics for directing said reference beam and said object beam onto said array in an overlapping fashion such that they interfere with each other on said array, the optical path difference between said reference beam and said object beam varying across said array.