The present invention relates to an apparatus for optical coherence reflectometry,
in particular for optical coherence tomography, wherein the apparatus for optical
coherence reflectometry comprises a wavelength scanning laser source for providing
a light signal, and splitting means for dividing said light signal into a sample
light field and a reference light field, wherein the sample light field is directed
to the sample being measured, and the light reflected from the sample is amplified
without correspondingly amplifying the light reflected in the reference light field.
Thereby, it is possible to direct substantially all light energy from the first
reflected light field to the detectors, and to obtain fully the utilization of
the amplification of the first reflected light field. The optica amplifier inserted
in the sample reflected light field is different from the source so that the effect
of the light source may be regulated independent of the degree of amplification.
In particular when using the apparatus in coherent optical FMCW reflectometry certain
safety regulations for the power density towards the sample has to be observed
to reduce the risk of damages to the sample under examination, such as biological
tissue. The apparatus may be used for a variety of purposes, in particular for
obtaining optical biopsies of transparent as well as non-transparent tissues.
