Diffuse laser illumination for Maxwellian view Doppler holography of the retina

We present the benefits of using diffuse illumination in laser holography for ophthalmic applications. Integrating a diffusing element introduces angular diversity in the optical radiation and reduces spatial coherence, effectively distributing the illumination beam's energy across the focal plane of the eyepiece. This configuration allows for an expanded field of view in digitally computed retinal images, as the eyepiece can be positioned closer to the cornea to achieve a Maxwellian view of the retina without compromising ocular safety. By avoiding the formation of a laser hot spot near the cornea, diffuse illumination facilitates easier compliance with American and European safety standards for ophthalmic devices. Importantly, this approach does not introduce any adverse effects on digitally computed Doppler images.