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Abstract

A method and apparatus for performing optical coherence tomography using a wavelength multiplexed source is provided. The single output beam of the source is of a large bandwidth, thus providing a high resolution tomography system. In order to achieve high contrast as well, the wavelength multiplexed source has minimal wavelength separation between spectrally adjacent lasers and has an output beam with an approximately Gaussian spectral shape. The source is preferably comprised of one or more multi-gain element arrays multiplexed together within a single external resonator cavity. Interposed between the array and the resonator cavity output coupler are a collimating element and a diffraction grating. The collimating element can be a refractive optic, a reflective optic, or, for some applications, a 1/4 pitch GRIN lens. The diffraction grating can either be transmissive or reflective. The combination of the diffraction grating and the collimating element forces each emitter within the array to lase at a distinct wavelength. In order to achieve an overall bandwidth greater than the gain bandwidth of a single emitter array, either multiple arrays of differing center wavelength are packaged together or a large array is used with a laterally varying quantum well thickness or epitaxy. An intracavity spatial filter can be used to improve the beam quality and reduce cross-talk. An optical coherence tomography imaging system is coupled to the resonator cavity.

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