Abstract

The coherent detection imaging method that is based on the optical heterodyne detection technique is used to obtain laser computed tomographic images of animal bones and human teeth in the visible and near-IR regions. The image contrast is shown to be wavelength dependent. Laser tomographic images of a tooth pathological condition also confirms a wavelength dependent difference in structure and contrast. Use of green light along with red or near-IR light is suggested as a potential for hard tissues imaging in vivo.

© 1996 Optical Society of America