Transverse flow velocity quantification using optical coherence tomography with correlation

We describe a method that uses classic optical coherence tomography to measure the transverse fluid‐flow velocity quantitatively without knowing the Doppler angle. An intensity based cross‐correlation calculation is taken point‐to‐pointly between two close cross sections of the scattering fluid to estimate the time delay for scattering particles passing through the two sections which are scanned alternately. The transverse velocity distribution of the scattering fluid‐flow in the whole section is achieved finally. The experimental results agree well with the preset ones. This method is insensitive to the Doppler angle and provides a variable velocity detection range in different application conditions. (© 2011 by Astro Ltd., Published exclusively by WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA) (© 2011 by Astro Ltd., Published exclusively by WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA)