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

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2004

Authors

Rosa, CC (Author) FCUP; Podoleanu, AG (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Applied Optics

Vol. 43

Pages: 4802-4815

ISSN: 1559-128X

Publisher: Optical Society of America

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 31 Citations

Scopus - 37 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Physical sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-000-8KY

DOI: 10.1364/ao.43.004802

Abstract (EN): 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 flat 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. (C) 2004 Optical Society of America.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14