Spectral-domain OCT imaging using a spectrally-flexible wavelength-swept fiber laser based on dispersion tuning

The broadband source with the arbitrary spectrum based on dispersion tuning technique was demonstrated. While a dispersion-tuned wavelength-swept laser is capable of fast and widely wavelength sweep, it can also be used as a broadband spectrally-flexible source by controlling the sweep waveform. It is the first demonstration of spectrally-tunable source to the best of our knowledge. We used the dispersion-tuned laser as a broadband source for SD-OCT system by synchronizing sweep rate of a laser and exposure time of a CCD camera in SD-OCT system. We successfully obtained the images of an adhesive tape and a human finger.