Coherent noise-free ophthalmic imaging by spectral optical coherence tomography

In this contribution we examine a methodology to avoid parasitic cross-correlation terms in spectral optical coherence tomography (SOCT) images. The optimal conditions of optical power and exposure time are found theoretically and confirmed experimentally to ensure that parasitic images are hidden under the shot noise. An upper limit on useful exposures may then be estimated. In a case of SOCT imaging of the retina this limit is below the ANSI safety limit.