Periodic reference subtraction method for efficient background fixed pattern noise removal in Fourier domain optical coherence tomography

We have demonstrated an efficient scheme of automatically removing fixed pattern noise in Fourier domain optical coherence tomography by using a periodic reference spectrum subtraction method. By periodically acquiring the reference spectra using a separate light absorber placed to the right of the scan lens, we were able to adaptively compensate the background fixed pattern due to the spectral intensity variation of the source. The adaptive removal of fixed pattern noise was effectively performed by controlling the reference spectrum acquisition rate (R). A seawater pearl was used for a test sample under an intentional abrupt source power change to validate the proposed method. Based on this method, it is possible to perform immediate cold start scanning because it is not necessary for a stabilization period of the light source, as well as a manual process of reference spectrum acquisition for obtaining clear image under unstable environment.