Double-reflection polygon mirror for high-speed optical coherence microscopy

We report on a high-speed, high-efficiency, high-duty-cycle, path-length-maintaining and linear beam scanner suitable for en face scanning optical coherence microscopy. Fast transverse beam scanning is achieved by use of a double-reflection polygon mirror (DRPM) rotating at a constant speed. With a motor speed of 18,000 rpm and a scanner diameter of 50 mm, the DRPM provides a line rate up to 3 kHz, +/-1.8 degrees scanning range, and 90% duty cycle. A much higher scanning speed and much larger scanning range can be readily achieved by increasing the scanner diameter.