Enhancement of common-path fourier-domain optical coherence tomography using active surface tracking algorithm

Optical coherence tomography(OCT) can provide real-time and non-invasive subsurface imaging with ultra-high resolution of micrometer scale. However, conventional OCT systems generally have a limited imaging depth range within a depth of only 1-2 mm. To overcome the limitation, we have proposed an active surface tracking algorithm used in common-path Fourier-domain OCT system in order to extend the imaging depth range. The surface tracking algorithm based on the threshold and Savitzky-Golay filter of A-scan data was applied to real-time tracking. The algorithm has controlled a moving stage according to the sample's surface variance in real time. An OCT image obtained by the algorithm clearly show an extended imaging depth range. Consequently, the proposed algorithm demonstrated the potential for improving the conventional OCT systems with limitary depth range.