Common path Fourier domain optical coherence tomography based on multiple reflections within the sample arm

We present a common path Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FDOCT) setup where the reference signal arises from multiple reflections within the sample arm. Two configurations are demonstrated. The first is based on a reflective microscope objective while the second is based on a normal (refractive) microscope objective. The second configuration is effectively a Mireau interferometer. We present a sensitivity analysis of these setups and images of in vivo skin. Advantages of both common path arrangements include: 1) the reference surface is not close to the sample surface while keeping the optical path lengths matched (so the additional interferometer is not needed) and 2) the user can independently control reference and sample arm power. Additionally, the configuration using the refractive objective ensures that the coherence gate and focus gate always match. A disadvantage is that the reference arm power in certain circumstances is not optimal (i.e. close to saturating the CCD). However, this issue can be removed by a light source of sufficient output power. We believe the idea is scalable and therefore of interest to endoscopy applications. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.