Academisch Medisch Centrum

Frank Coumans

Antonius Van Leeuwen

Nicolás Weiss

The present disclosure is directed toward low-coherence interferometry imaging systems comprising a common-path interferometer that is at least partially integrated as part of a planar lightwave circuit is disclosed. Imaging systems in accordance with the present disclosure are implemented in integrated optics without the inclusion of highly wavelength-sensitive components. As a result, they exhibit less wavelength dependence than PLC-based interferometers of the prior art. Further, common-path interferometer arrangements in accordance with the present disclosure avoid polarization and wavelength dispersion effects that plague prior-art PLC-based interferometers. Still further, an integrated common-path interferometer is smaller and less complex than other integrated interferometers, which makes it possible to integrate multiple interferometers on a single chip, thereby enabling multi-signal systems, such as plane-wave parallel OCT systems.

Common-path integrated low coherence interferometry system and method therefor

A low coherence interferometry imaging system comprising a common-path interferometer that is at least partially integrated as part of a planar lightwave circuit is disclosed. Imaging systems in accordance with the present invention are implemented in integrated optics without the inclusion of highly wavelength-sensitive components. As a result, they exhibit less wavelength dependence than PLC-based interferometers of the prior art. Further, the common-path interferometer arrangement of the present invention avoids polarization and wavelength dispersion effects that plague prior-art PLC-based interferometers. Still further, an integrated common-path interferometer is smaller and less complex than other integrated interferometers, which makes it possible to integrate multiple interferometers on a single chip, thereby enabling multi-signal systems, such as plane-wave parallel OCT systems.

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Amsterdam, Netherlands

Frank Coumans