High-resolution optical coherence tomographic imaging using a mode-locked Ti:Al_2O_3 laser source

Abstract

A Kerr-lens mode-locked Ti:Al(2)O(3) oscillator, optimized for minimal coherence length, is demonstrated as a high-power source for high-resolution optical coherence tomographic imaging. Dispersion compensation and heterodyne noise rejection are demonstrated to yield in situ images of biological tissues with 3.7-mum resolution and 93-dB dynamic range.