Citation:
H.D. Ford, R. Beddows, P. Casaubieilh, R.P. Tatam, Comparative signal-to-noise analysis of fibre-optic based optical coherence
tomography systems, Journal of Modern Optics, Volume 52, Issue 14/20, 2005, Pages 1965-1979
Abstract:
Several optical coherence tomography ( OCT) systems are proposed using optical.
fibre components and based around Fizeau sensing interferometers. The
theoretical signal- to- noise ratio ( SNR) is calculated for each of the
proposed configurations, using a constant set of assumed values for illumination
and detection parameters. The SNR values obtained are compared with values
calculated for typical existing configurations based around Michelson
interferometers. Fizeau- based systems incorporating a secondary processing
interferometer offer the advantage over current interferometer configurations of
down- lead insensitivity, which prevents signal fading and reduces thermal
fringe drift. The most basic form of the Fizeau system makes inefficient use of
optical power, and has a low SNR compared with the widely used Michelson
configuration. However, the results of the analysis described in this paper show
that the SNR for more sophisticated Fizeau configurations, incorporating optical
circulators and balanced detection systems, can be as high as the value for the
most sensitive existing fibre- based OCT systems. Fizeau configurations
therefore offer the combined advantages of optimized SNR and down- lead
insensitivity, indicating their suitability for use in relatively poorly
controlled environments such as in- vivo measurements.