Abstract
The suitability for low-coherence interferometry of a high-power, semiconductor laser line source operated at a forward bias current below threshold is demonstrated. Measurements of the important characteristics of the source are presented. For example, the source produces an output power of 1.3mW and a spatially uniform coherence length of 16 mmat a bias current of 86% of threshold (250 mA) at 20°C. The usefulness of the source is verified by measurement of the line profile of a contact lens.