Long coherence length and linear sweep without an external optical k-clock in a monolithic semiconductor laser for inexpensive optical coherence tomography

Jason Ensher; Paul Boschert; Katherine Featherston; Jonathan Huber; Michael Crawford; Michael Minneman; Chris Chiccone; Dennis Derickson

doi:10.1117/12.911477

30 January 2012 Long coherence length and linear sweep without an external optical k-clock in a monolithic semiconductor laser for inexpensive optical coherence tomography

Jason Ensher, Paul Boschert, Katherine Featherston, Jonathan Huber, Michael Crawford, Michael Minneman, Chris Chiccone, Dennis Derickson

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8213, Optical Coherence Tomography and Coherence Domain Optical Methods in Biomedicine XVI; 82130T (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.911477
Event: SPIE BiOS, 2012, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

We demonstrate a new swept-wavelength laser for optical coherence tomography using a monolithic semiconductor device with no moving parts. The laser is based on a Vernier-Tuned Distributed Bragg Reflector (VTDBR) structure. We show highly-linear sweeps at 200 kHz sweep repetition rates, with peak output power of 20 mW. Using a test interferometer, we demonstrate point-spread functions with 45-55 dB dynamic range. The source provides long coherence length (> 40mm) at up to 200 kHz sweep rates. The laser system has sufficient linearity in optical frequency and stability over time to provide an electronic sample trigger clock (an Electronic K-Clock) that denotes equal optical frequency intervals during the sweep. The laser tuning mechanism is all-electronic, easily adjustable and programmable. We demonstrate both flat and Gaussian power vs. wavelength profiles, programmable sweep rates with the same device, and an adjustable duty cycle of up to 85% at full speed. Because the laser is a monolithic semiconductor structure based on reliable, wafer-scale processes, the manufacturing cost of the laser will decrease rapidly in volume production.

Citation Download Citation

Jason Ensher, Paul Boschert, Katherine Featherston, Jonathan Huber, Michael Crawford, Michael Minneman, Chris Chiccone, and Dennis Derickson "Long coherence length and linear sweep without an external optical k-clock in a monolithic semiconductor laser for inexpensive optical coherence tomography", Proc. SPIE 8213, Optical Coherence Tomography and Coherence Domain Optical Methods in Biomedicine XVI, 82130T (30 January 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.911477

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