Method and apparatus for performing optical imaging using frequency-domain interferometry

Abstract

An apparatus and method are provided. In particular, at least one first electro-magnetic radiation may be provided to a sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation can be provided to a non-reflective reference. A frequency of the first and/or second radiations varies over time. An interference is detected between at least one third radiation associated with the first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the second radiation. Alternatively, the first electro-magnetic radiation and/or second electro-magnetic radiation have a spectrum which changes over time. The spectrum may contain multiple frequencies at a particular time. In addition, it is possible to detect the interference signal between the third radiation and the fourth radiation in a first polarization state. Further, it may be preferable to detect a further interference signal between the third and fourth radiations in a second polarization state which is different from the first polarization state. The first and/or second electro-magnetic radiations may have a spectrum whose mean frequency changes substantially continuously over time at a tuning speed that is greater than 100 Tera Hertz per millisecond.

1 - 95 . (canceled) 
     
     
         96 . An apparatus comprising:
 a radiation light source arrangement configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation, wherein the radiation light source arrangement includes a cavity and a filter which cause a spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation to have a mean frequency that changes (i) at an absolute rate that is greater than about 100 terahertz per millisecond, and (ii) over a range that is greater than about 10 terahertz.   
     
     
         97 . An apparatus comprising:
 a radiation light source arrangement configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation, wherein the radiation light source arrangement includes a cavity and a filter which cause a spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation to have a mean frequency that changes at an absolute rate that is greater than about 100 terahertz per millisecond, wherein the light source arrangement further includes a frequency shifting device which shifts the mean frequency of the electromagnetic radiation.   
     
     
         98 . An apparatus comprising:
 a radiation light source arrangement configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation, wherein the radiation light source arrangement including a configuration comprising an optical filter arrangement, a laser gain medium, and a frequency selector, wherein a combination of the optical filter arrangement and the frequency selector causes a modification of a mean frequency of a spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation in a particular direction over time, and wherein the configuration shifts a mean frequency of an intra-cavity electromagnetic radiation in the particular direction; and a laser cavity which receives the electromagnetic radiation, wherein the optical filter arrangement is provided within the laser cavity.