Evaluation of complex conjugate artifact removal methods used in spectrometer-based Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography systems: A comparative study

We evaluated several, previously published, complex conjugate artifact removal methods and algorithms that have been proposed for Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (Fd-OCT). To ensure comparable conditions, only one OCT system was used, but with modified data acquisition schemes, depending on the requirements of each method/algorithm. This limited our evaluation to single spectrometer based Fd-OCT approaches. The suppression ratio of complex conjugate artifact images using a paperboard is assessed for all tested methods. Several other metrics are also used for comparison, including a list of additional hardware requirements (beyond standard Fd-OCT components) and data acquisition schemes. Finally, in vivo human finger pad and nail images are presented for comparison to the standard Fd- OCT images and full-range images. © 2010 Copyright SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering.