Patent ID: 6853457
Filing Date: 2005-02-08
Classification: A61B,G01B,G01N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for optical coherence reflectometry comprising a light source for providing a light signal splitting means for dividing said light signal into a first light field and a second light field, means for directing the first light field to a sample, and means for directing a first reflected light field from the sample, wherein an optical amplifier is inserted in the first reflected light field, said optical amplifier being different from the light source, and means for directing the amplified first reflected light field to a combining means, so that the amplified first reflected light field is directed to the combining means through another route than a route through the splitting means for dividing the light signal, means for directing the second light field to a reference path comprising a reflecting means, and means for directing a second reflected light field from the reference path to the combining means, combining means for receiving said amplified first reflected light field and said second reflected light field to generate a combined light signal, and at least one detecting means for detecting the combined light signal and outputting detecting signals.