Ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography imaging with a broadband superluminescent diode light source

Ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography imaging is performed with a compact broadband superluminescent diode light source. The source consists of two multiplexed broadband superluminescent diodes and has a power output of 4 mW with a spectral bandwidth of 155 nm, centered at a wavelength of 890 nm. In vivo imaging was performed with approximately 2.3 mum axial resolution in scattering tissue and approximately 3.2 mum axial resolution in the retina. These results demonstrate that it is possible to perform in vivo ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography imaging using a superluminescent diode light source that is inexpensive, compact, and easy to operate. (C) 2004 Optical Society of America.