US 6,256,102 B1 · Dual-beam low-coherence interferometer with improved signal-to-noise ratio

Abstract

A dual beam low coherence interferometer with improved signal to noise ratio. The interferometer directs both a collimated beam about a focused beam to a target. A detector detects the multiscattering from the target with a splitter where a reference arm with matched mirrors allows for measuring both the intensity and magnitude values of the beam to be measured. The intensity and magnitude values indicate the imaging of the target in applications such as OCT(optical coherence tomography) having medical imaging applications, while improving the signal to noise ratios. Other applications include material characterization in ceramics, composites and other granular material. Additionally, the interferometer can be used to image target defects such as inclusions, voids, cracks, and the like, in ceramics and other materials which scatter light.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A dual beam low-coherence interferometer with improved signal-to-noise ratio, comprising:

means for generating a low coherence light source;
means for splitting the light source into at least an outgoing signal and a reference signal;
a waveguide for receiving the outgoing signal, the waveguide having a first lens for forming a collimated beam from the outgoing signal onto a target, and the waveguide having
a second lens for forming a focused beam from the outgoing signal onto the target;
a reference arm for receiving the reference signal, and having a first means for introducing a first modulated frequency, and a second means for introducing a second modulated frequency;
and
a detector for detecting a frequency value of the collimated beam and a frequency value of the focused beam from the target, wherein an image of the target can be formed by comparing the frequency value of the collimated beam from the target with the first modulated frequency, and comparing the frequency value of the focused beam from the target with the second modulated frequency without multiscattering signal noise effects.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Dual-beam low-coherence interferometer with improved signal-to-noise ratio

Life of this patent

Dual-beam low-coherence interferometer with improved signal-to-noise ratio

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18