Abstract
A comparative analysis on the performance of different scanning regimes in time domain optical coherence tomography is presented in terms of image size. Safety thresholds due to the different continuous irradiation time per transverse pixel in different scanning regimes are also considered. We present the maximum exposure level for a variety of scanning procedures, employing either A scanning (depth priority) or T scanning (transverse priority) when generating cross section images, en face images or collecting 3D volumes. We present a comparison between such B-scan images, and different criteria to allow the user to choose the right mode of operation. Mainly, two criteria are detailed, a scanning criterion and a safety criterion. The scanning criterion depends on the number of pixels along the lateral and axial directions. The analysis shows that en-face scanning allows wider images while the longitudinal scanning is more suitable to deep cross sections. The safety criterion refers to safety levels to be observed in each scanning mode. We show that the flying spot OCT imaging has different safety limits for T- and A- based imaging modes. The analysis leads to maximum permissible optical power levels that favors T-scan imaging of wide objects. We then apply the analysis considering as object the eye.

Abstract
We present the time variant second order statistics of the depth-scan photocurrent in timedomain optical coherence tomography (TD-OCT) systems using polarized thermal light sources. Our results are prerequisite for future development of statistical image processing techniques for TD-OCT. © 2007 Optical Society of America.

Abstract

Abstract
A versatile time-domain optical coherence tomography system is presented that can generate cross-sectional images by using either transverse priority or depth priority scanning. This is made possible by using a transmissive scanning delay line compatible with balance detection operating at a speed similar to that of the transverse scanner used to scan the beam across the target. In vivo images from the retina are generated and shown using the same system switched to either transverse or depth priority scanning regime, by using the scanning delay line either in slow or fast scanning modes, respectively. A comparative analysis of different scanning regimes depending on image size to fit different areas to be imaged is presented. Safety thresholds due to the different continuous irradiation time per transverse pixel in different scanning regimes are also considered. We present the maximum exposure level for a variety of scanning procedures, employing either A scanning (depth priority) or T scanning (transverse priority) when generating cross-sectional images, en face images, or collecting 3D volumes. (c) 2007 Optical Society of America.

Abstract

Abstract
We show how stationary entanglement between an optical cavity field mode and a macroscopic vibrating mirror can be generated by means of radiation pressure. We also show how the generated optomechanical entanglement can be quantified, and we suggest an experimental readout scheme to fully characterize the entangled state. Surprisingly, such optomechanical entanglement is shown to persist for environment temperatures above 20 K using state-of-the-art experimental parameters.