Time-domain optical coherence tomography at 2 $\mu\mathrm{m}$ using GaSb-based broadband superluminescent diode

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the first time-domain optical coherence tomography system operating at 2 μm wavelength using a GaSb-based superluminescent diode, enabling compact and scalable imaging of low-water-content materials.

Contribution

Introduces a novel TD-OCT system at 2 μm using GaSb-based SLDs, offering a practical alternative to supercontinuum sources for mid-IR OCT applications.

Findings

Achieved approximately 300 μm axial resolution in air.

Successfully imaged scattering paint-based coating samples.

First demonstration of TD-OCT at 2 μm with GaSb SLD source.

Abstract

We report a time-domain optical coherence tomography (TD-OCT) system operating in the 2 $\mu\mathrm{m}$ spectral region, enabled by a GaSb-based superluminescent diode (SLD). The spectrum emitted by the SLD exhibits a full-width half-maximum (FWHM) of $\sim$80 nm centred near 2.1 $\mu\mathrm{m}$. For OCT operation, stable amplified spontaneous emission with low spectral ripple ($<20\%$) is maintained at drive currents below 150 mA. The SLD is fiber coupled and integrated into a fiber-based Michelson interferometer. In the OCT system, the measured coherence envelope yields an axial resolution of approximately 300 $\mu$m in air and enables depth-resolved imaging of scattering paint-based coating samples. In contrast to OCT implementations at 2 $\mu\mathrm{m}$ wavelength region that commonly rely on supercontinuum sources, the use of GaSb-based SLDs offers a compact practical alternative, leveraging the maturity and scalability of electrically driven semiconductor light sources packaged in a standard "butterfly" module. This report represents the first demonstration of TD-OCT imaging at 2 $\mu\mathrm{m}$ using a GaSb-based SLD source and establishes its suitability for compact and scalable mid-IR OCT instrumentation targeting non-biological, low-water-content materials.