Patent ID: 6053613
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: A61B,G01B

Abstract:
An optical coherence tomography apparatus (""OCT"") which examines an object, which OCT apparatus comprises:a source of short coherence radiation;a coupler which: (a) couples a first portion of the radiation to a reference arm; (b) couples a second portion of the radiation to a sample arm; (c) combines radiation transmitted thereto from the reference arm and the sample arm; and (d) couples the combined radiation to an analyzer;wherein: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;the sample arm transmits the second portion of the radiation to the object and transmits radiation scattered by the object back to the coupler; andthe measurement range variation apparatus comprises:a transmitter which transmits a portion of the radiation incident thereupon;a reflector which reflects radiation transmitted by the transmitter, which transmitter reflects a portion of the reflected radiation; anda scanner coupled to scan the reflector.