Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) is a non-destructive and three-dimensional imaging technique that can provide polarization properties, e.g., phase retardation and the optical axis, as well as architectural information similar to conventional OCT from the sample. In this study, we have developed a high-speed PS-OCT imaging engine by using a novel wavelength-swept laser light source based on a high-contrast grating vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (HCG-VCSEL). Example PS-OCT imaging including the human fingernail junction, 3D plastic printing material, and the chicken breast tissue demonstrated the depth-resolved measurement of the multifunctional information of the sample with PS-OCT and HCG-VCSEL light source at an A-scan rate of 250 kHz.
We present a high-speed swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) imaging system using an electrically pumped, micro-electromechanical-system (MEMS) tunable HCG-VCSEL operating at the 1060 nm wavelength regime. Comparing to existing MEMS VCSEL light sources for SS-OCT, a movable high-contrast grating (HCG) is used as the top mirror of the laser cavity, replacing the conventional distributed Bragg reflector mirror design. By applying a reverse bias voltage, the HCG mirror actuates downward toward the VCSEL cavity, changing the effective cavity length and resulting in wavelength tuning responses. The developed SS-OCT system allows an A-scan rate of 250 kHz, a detection sensitivity of 98 dB, and an axial imaging resolution of 22 µm (full-width at half-maximum (FWHM), in air). The A-scan rate can be further improved to 500 kHz if both the backward (long to short wavelength) and forward laser sweep are used. In the experimental setup, a dual-channel acquisition scheme was utilized to provide calibration of the OCT signal with a separate calibration interferometer. Volumetric imaging of the human fingernail/nail fold junction in vivo shows the feasibility of providing high-speed imaging of the tissue architectures. The MEMS tunable HCG-VCSEL light source can provide high-speed OCT imaging with a more compact light source footprint and potentially a lower cost
We report recent advances in electrically-pumped 1050 nm and 1550 nm micro-electro-mechanically-tunable verticalcavity surface emitting-lasers (MEMS-VCSELs). We demonstrate a single-mode, continuous, mechanical tuning range of 73 nm with high output power and low threshold current performance for the 1050 nm devices. To the best of our knowledge, 73 nm is a record tuning value for an electrically-pumped tunable VCSEL with a tuning speed >250 kHz, making them highly desirable for next generation OCT and other swept source applications. 10 Gbps 1550-nm DWDM tunable SFP+ modules based on an HCG-VCSEL are demonstrated with an embedded communications channel for automatic wavelength tuning and locking for low cost FTTx and front haul network applications.
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