Measurement of the axial point spread function in scattering media using single-mode fiber-based optical coherence tomography

The authors studied the axial point spread function of optical coherence tomography for Gaussian intensity profiles emitted from and coupled back into single-mode fibers for signals from a scattering medium. The determined Rayleigh length of the axial point spread function was roughly twice the one measured from the reflection of a mirror. Using the measured point spread function in combination with the single backscatter model allowed determination of the attenuation coefficient of the suspension.