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Optimising a Polygon Mirror-based Spectral Filter for Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography

Everson, Michael (2021) Optimising a Polygon Mirror-based Spectral Filter for Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) thesis, University of Kent,. (doi:10.22024/UniKent/01.02.90828) (KAR id:90828)

Abstract

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive, depth-scan imaging modality with proven applications in medical physics. The benefits of this modality, combined with the range of possible techniques that can be employed, continue to stimulate research and development within this field. One such technique uses a polygon mirror-based spectral filter as a swept light source, and is particularly useful when conducting OCT experiments in a laboratory setting due to its low cost and high versatility. The development of these swept sources has resulted in a variety of experimental designs, however research into the most suitable design needed to fully optimise every aspect for OCT imaging is rarely reported. Ideally, these systems must provide a broad swept bandwidth and produce narrowband, instantaneous laser linewidths, whilst maintaining sufficient optical power levels across the entire spectrum, but it was found that these features can be significantly limited by the design of the spectral filter. The research presented in this thesis is a detailed, multi-parameter analysis of system operation and has resulted in the identification of various techniques that can be applied to improve overall system performance. The polygon mirror-based swept source was studied theoretically, experimentally and using Zemax™ ray tracing simulation software to minimise the effects of mechanical vignetting and maximise the optical power transmission. A design hierarchy was also developed which can be used to determine the most suitable combination of component parameters and the best construction methods needed to optimise the design.

Item Type: Thesis (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD))
Thesis advisor: Dobre, George
DOI/Identification number: 10.22024/UniKent/01.02.90828
Uncontrolled keywords: polygon mirror spectral filter swept source optical coherence tomography tunable tuning frequency sweep
Subjects: Q Science
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Physics and Astronomy
Funders: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (https://ror.org/0439y7842)
SWORD Depositor: System Moodle
Depositing User: System Moodle
Date Deposited: 13 Oct 2021 08:10 UTC
Last Modified: 09 Dec 2022 07:08 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/90828 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Everson, Michael.

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