Improving axial resolution in spectral domain low-coherence interferometry through fast Fourier transform harmonic artifacts

Author(s)

Raele, Marcus Paulo ^[1] ; Gomes Tarelho, Luiz Vicente ^[2] ; da Silva Azeredo, Carlos Leonardo ^[2] ; Couceiro, Iakyra Borrakuens ^[2] ; Freitas, Anderson Zanardi ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] IPEN CNEN SP, Nucl & Energy Res Inst, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Natl Inst Metrol Qual & Technol Inmetro, BR-25250020 Duque De Caxias, RJ - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Optical Engineering; v. 53, n. 7 JUL 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Low-coherence interferometric setups in the Fourier domain can experience false structures after the Fourier transform procedure due to signal saturation; in fact, these structures are located at multiple frequencies of the original signal, also referred to as harmonics. This study aids in a better understanding of this phenomenon. The aim of the present work was to show that these features can be used to improve differential axial resolution in highly reflective samples. Using an optical coherence tomography system and calibrated step height standards, it was possible to achieve a resolution greater than the light source coherence length. (C) 2014 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/13764-3 - Development of autocorrelation optical coherence tomography technique for biomedical applications
• Grantee: Marcus Paulo Raele
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate