title: Optimization of optical spectral throughput of acousto-optic modulators for high-speed optical coherence tomography.
abstract: We describe a generic method to optimize the optical spectral throughput of a pair of acousto-optic modulators (AOM) which can be used for introducing a frequency shift in ultrahigh-resolution heterodyne optical coherence tomography. Systematic and quantitative analysis of a pair of AOMs indicates that a configuration with a spectral bandwidth of more than 200 nm at a center wavelength of 825 nm (tunable) can be achieved. Using a pair of AOMs in conjunction with a broadband low coherence light source, real-time imaging of biological tissues with an axial resolution ~3 microm (in air) has been experimentally demonstrated with a high-speed OCT system.
authors.forename: Yuchuan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Xiumei
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cobb
authors.forename: Mon
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Myaing
authors.forename: Tao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Xingde
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li