We propose, test and validate a novel Fourier-domain based method for ghost image artifacts reduction in a common-path SSOCT system having multiple adjacent reference planes. Common-path probes with imaging systems containing high-index sapphire ball or other lenses produce multiple fixed references due to Fresnel reflections from the lens surfaces. The multiple reference planes produce multiple and overlapping OCT images. Since such ghost artifacts are the result of the superposition of multiple identical images having different amplitudes and spatial shifts, one can correctly shift and sum the images in the Fourier-domain once the relative amplitude and lateral position between the reference planes are known. This theory and numerical testing are presented to elucidate our method. We then validate the potential effectiveness using OCT imaging experiments.
Keywords: Biomedical optical imaging; Optical fiber sensors; Optical signal detection; Optical signal processing.