Optical coherence tomography in scattering material for industrial applications

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is used mainly for noninvasive cross-sectional imaging in biological systems. In this technique, a lateral scanning low-coherence interferometer is employed to produce a two-dimensional image of an object's internal microstructure. This paper presents an experimental OCT measurement system based on a bulk-type Michelson interferometer illuminated by a superluminescent light source. The system was used to provide a visual image of multilayer plastics. In addition, the research team conducted experiments to measure the thickness of varnish on top of plywood and experimented with paper measurements. The system produced two-dimensional pictures of multilayer plastics, showing that it is applicable to transparent media.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.