Wavelength-tuning interferometry of intraocular distances

• Published in: Applied optics (2004) Vol. 36; no. 25; p. 6548
• Main Authors: Lexer, F, Hitzenberger, C K, Fercher, A F, Kulhavy, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.09.1997
• ISSN: 1559-128X; 2155-3165
• DOI: 10.1364/AO.36.006548

We describe basic principles of wavelength-tuning interferometry and demonstrate its application in ophthalmology. The advantage of this technique compared with conventional low-coherence interferometry ranging is the simultaneous measurement of the object structure without the need for a moving reference mirror. Shifting the wavelength of an external-cavity tunable laser diode causes intensity oscillations in the interference pattern of light beams remitted from the intraocular structure. A Fourier transform of the corresponding wave-number-dependent photodetector signal yields the distribution of the scattering potential along the light beam illuminating the eye. We use an external interferometer to linearize the wave-number axis. We obtain high resolution in a model eye by slow tuning over a wide wavelength range. With lower resolution we demonstrate the simultaneous measurement of anterior segment length, vitreous chamber depth, and axial eye length in human eyes in vivo with data-acquisition times in the millisecond range.