Fourier Domain Mode Locked Lasers for Swept Source OCT Imaging at up to 290 kHz Scan Rates

摘要

A new type of laser operation, Fourier Domain Mode Locking (FDML), is demonstrated for high performance, frequency swept light sources. FDML achieves superior sweep speeds, coherence lengths and bandwidths compared to standard bulk or fiber lasers. At 1300 nm a sweep range up to 145 nm, up to 4 cm delay length, and sweep rates up to 290 kHz were achieved. This light source is demonstrated for swept source OCT imaging.