Optical coherence tomography with new interferometer

摘要

Embodiments of the present invention are method and apparatus for simply and economically providing efficient scanning in an optical coherence tomography ("OCT") apparatus. In particular, an embodiment of the present invention is an OCT apparatus which examines an object, which OCT apparatus comprises: (a) a source of short coherence radiation; (b) a coupler which (i) couples a first portion of the radiation to a reference arm; (ii) couples a second portion of the radiation to a sample arm; (iii) combines radiation transmitted thereto from the reference path and the sample path; and (iv) couples the combined radiation to an analyzer; wherein (c) the reference arm transmits the first portion of the radiation to a measurement range variation apparatus and transmits radiation output from the measurement range variation apparatus back to the coupler; (d) the sample path transmits the second portion of the radiation to the object and transmits radiation scattered by the object back to the coupler; and (e) the measurement range variation apparatus comprises: (i) a transmitter which transmits a portion of the radiation incident thereupon; (ii) a reflector which reflects radiation transmitted by the transmitter; and (iii) a scanner coupled to scan the reflector.