Two-dimensional scanning realized by an asymmetry fiber cantilever driven by single piezo bender actuator for optical coherence tomography

We develop a fiber based probe that is capable of two-dimensional scanning applicable in optical coherence tomography (OCT). Based on the resonance of the fiber cantilever with asymmetry structure which has two distinguished resonant frequencies in orthogonal directions, Lissajous pattern is produced suitable for two-dimensional scanning upon a sample. Orthogonal resonances of the fiber cantilever are simultaneously excited by single piezo bender actuator with one driving signal consisting of two components corresponding to above-mentioned two resonant frequencies. By integrating a backward-placed two-dimensional position sensitive detector (PSD) into the probe, real-time lateral position of the scanning pattern is registered simultaneously for image reconstruction. Dynamical characteristics of the fiber cantilever are experimentally studied with special consideration on factors determining the resolution of the scanning pattern, including frequency and amplitude ratios between two components of the driving signal and fetching duration used for an en face image. With the developed probe implemented in our established OCT system, en face OCT images of typical samples are obtained with satisfying resolution and contrast, demonstrating the feasibility of such fiber cantilever with asymmetry structure for realizing two dimensional scanning by single actuator, potentially applicable to endoscopic OCT imaging. (C) 2009 Optical Society of America