Optical coherence tomography imaging system and method

A system for optical imaging of samples with multiple imaging channels, by using multiple stages of routers to multiplex a plurality of OCT imaging channels with one light source into one system, the system acquiring image data from multiple points on a sample or from multiple samples, and image data acquisition is externally clocked by frequency clock signals of light sources used in the system, the system comprising:

• an optical radiation source outputting optical frequencies as a function of time;
• a frequency clock module monitoring the output optical frequencies of the optical radiation source, and outputting frequency clock signals;
• a signal processing circuit processing the frequency clock signals to produce a pulse train indicating a relationship of the output optical frequencies of the source and time;
• a data acquisition (DAQ) system adapted for an analog to digital conversion process and externally clocked by the pulse train, wherein the pulse train is connected to an external clock input of the DAQ system;
• a plurality of optical interferometer modules, wherein the interferometer modules are in connection with the optical radiation source and the samples, and output interference signals containing information about the sample, wherein the interference signals are connected to input channels of the DAQ system;
• a first stage of routers distributing the output power of the source to the plurality of optical interferometer modules, wherein the plurality of optical interferometer modules output interference signals containing information about the sample;
• a second stage of routers distributing the output of the plurality of optical interferometer modules to the DAQ system;
• and
• a processor controlling the DAQ system, processing the data output from the DAQ system and constructing multiple dimensional images of the sample for every imaging channel.