Fourier domain a/LCI (faLCI) system and method which enables in vivo data
acquisition at rapid rates using a single scan. Angle-resolved and
depth-resolved spectra information is obtained with one scan. The
reference arm can remain fixed with respect to the sample due to only one
scan required. A reference signal and a reflected sample signal are
cross-correlated and dispersed at a multitude of reflected angles off of
the sample, thereby representing reflections from a multitude of points
on the sample at the same time in parallel. Information about all depths
of the sample at each of the multitude of different points on the sample
can be obtained with one scan on the order of approximately 40
milliseconds. From the spatial, cross-correlated reference signal,
structural (size) information can also be obtained using techniques that
allow size information of scatterers to be obtained from angle-resolved
data.