Real-Time, Micrometer Depth-Resolved Imaging by Low-Coherence Reflectometry and a Two-Dimensional Heterodyne Detection Technique

A novel two-dimensional heterodyne detection technique is demonstrated for real-time, cross-sectional imaging using optical coherence domain reflectometry without lateral scanning. The present technique, which is based on a frequency synchronous detection scheme, enables parallel heterodyne detection with an imager such as a charge coupled device camera. Full-field, micrometer-scale, depth-resolved images acquired at a rate of 10 frame/s are presented.