40 MHz Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography at 1060 nm Using a Time-Stretch and Supercontinuum Spectral Broadening Dynamics

We present an akinetically swept light source based on a spectrally broadened mode-locked laser in all normal dispersion optical fiber followed by a linear dispersive time stretch and a regenerative amplification stage. Developed for ultrafast swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), the source enables the demonstration of A-scan rate at 40 MHz with a 12 mu m axial resolution. Through A-scans captured from a fast-moving object, we demonstrate that high-speed OCT is possible at 1 mu m wavelength in an architecture which is not intrinsically bandwidth limited. The source therefore shows a promising route to achieving high axial resolution in high-speed swept-source OCT.

Automated summary

This study presents a light source based on a mode-locked laser and time stretch technique, which can be used for ultrafast swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). The source has a high A-scan rate and axial resolution, and enables high-speed OCT without being bandwidth limited.