Skip to main content
Kent Academic Repository

Limitation of the achievable signal-to-noise ratio in optical coherence tomography due to mismatch of the balanced receiver

Rosa, Carla C., Podoleanu, Adrian G.H. (2004) Limitation of the achievable signal-to-noise ratio in optical coherence tomography due to mismatch of the balanced receiver. Applied Optics, 43 (25). pp. 4802-4815. ISSN 1559-128X. (doi:10.1364/AO.43.004802) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:49788)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/AO.43.004802

Abstract

Owing to the limited spectral response of the fiber directional coupler used in a balanced optical coherence tomography configuration, the spectra are different in the two outputs. This affects unfavorably operation of the balanced photodetector unit. Excess photon noise makes a larger contribution than a directional coupler with a fiat spectral response. A theoretical model is developed that shows that an optimum set of parameters may be defined to maximize the achievable signal-to-noise ratio. The model leads to a redefinition of the effective noise bandwidth, which takes into account the nonflat response of the directional coupler used. The model also predicts a limitation on the signal-to-noise ratio even when the stray reflectances in the interferometer are brought to zero.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1364/AO.43.004802
Additional information: This is available as OPEN ACCESS by clicking on the URL.
Uncontrolled keywords: Acoustic noise, Bandwidth, Interferometers, Mathematical models, Optical beam splitters, Photons, Signal to noise ratio, Surface topography, Coherence tomography, Dispersion compensation, Photon noise, Coherent light
Subjects: Q Science > QC Physics
R Medicine > R Medicine (General) > R857.O6 Optical instruments
T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) > TA1520 Applied optics. Photonics
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Physics and Astronomy
Depositing User: Giles Tarver
Date Deposited: 24 Jul 2015 10:36 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:20 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/49788 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Podoleanu, Adrian G.H..

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4899-9656
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
  • Depositors only (login required):

Total unique views for this document in KAR since July 2020. For more details click on the image.