Depth enhancement in spectral domain optical coherence tomography using bidirectional imaging modality with a single spectrometer

J Biomed Opt. 2016 Jul 1;21(7):76005. doi: 10.1117/1.JBO.21.7.076005.

Abstract

A method for depth enhancement is presented using a bidirectional imaging modality for spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Two precisely aligned sample arms along with two reference arms were utilized in the optical configuration to scan the samples. Using exemplary images of the optical resolution target, Scotch tape, a silicon sheet with two needles, and a leaf, we demonstrated how the developed bidirectional SD-OCT imaging method increases the ability to characterize depth-enhanced images. The results of the developed system were validated by comparing the images with the standard OCT configuration (single-sample arm setup). Given the advantages of higher resolution and the ability to visualize deep morphological structures, this method can be utilized to increase the depth dependent fall-off in samples with limited thickness. Thus, the proposed bidirectional imaging modality is apt for cross-sectional imaging of entire samples, which has the potential capability to improve the diagnostic ability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Refractometry
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence / instrumentation
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence / methods*