Patent ID: 7102756
Filing Date: 2006-09-05
Classification: G01B,G01N

Abstract:
1. An interferometer for use in an OCDR or OCT imaging system to image a sample, comprising: a low coherence optical radiation source; a first beamsplitter having a first input connected to receive optical radiation from the low coherence optical radiation source; a single nonreciprocal optical element, the single nonreciprocal optical element having a first input connected to receive optical radiation from a first output of the first beamsplitter, a first output for directing optical radiation from the first input to a sample to be imaged, a second input connected in common with the first output for receiving optical radiation reflected by the sample, and a second output for receiving optical radiation from the second input; a second beamsplitter having a first input connected to receive optical radiation from the second output of the single nonreciprocal optical element; and an optical radiation detector connected to receive optical radiation from the second beamsplitter; and wherein the first beamsplitter has a second output providing optical radiation in a path leading to the optical radiation detector via a reference arm, and wherein the optical path excludes a nonreciprocal optical element.