Improved collection efficiency for spectrally encoded imaging using 4f configuration. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhu, Qian; Wang, Leran; Sun, Yixuan; Yang, Tong; Xie, Hongbo; Yang, Lei
• Is Part Of: Optics & laser technology. Volume 135(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Spectrally encoded imaging -- Wavelength-to-space mapping -- 4f configuration -- Light collection efficiency; Optics -- Periodicals; Lasers -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 621.366
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2020.106611
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-3992

Abstract

Highlights: Group of diffraction gratings integrating optical lenses performs wavelength-to-space mapping. The 4-f optical configuration is employed in spectrally encoded imaging. Greatly improving the coupling efficiency for existing spectrally encoded imaging schemes. Creating images with high spatial resolution. Abstract: Spectrally encoded imaging (SEI), providing valuable structural information of the specimen, is an indispensable tool to study on diverse phenomenon in scientific and technological applications. In this method, a broadband light beam was incident on a diffraction grating, and then focused on an illuminating sample to collect multiple spatial point data. A major challenge in SEI is implementation of dispersing the incident light to multiple wavelengths and efficiently converging them into a small-diameter receiver, also referred as wavelength-to-space mapping. Here, we propose and demonstrate a compact and high-performance SEI system combining with 4f configuration in 1.5 μ m band, which immensely improves the collection efficiency of wavelength-to-space mapping procedure. Proof-of-concept experiment with a high spatial resolution SEI scheme is successfully performed, and the overall collection efficiency of wavelength-to-space mapping increases to 70% through 4f system.