Supercontinuum source-based multi-contrast optical coherence tomography for rat retina imaging

Biomed Opt Express. 2018 Nov 12;9(12):6132-6144. doi: 10.1364/BOE.9.006132. eCollection 2018 Dec 1.

Abstract

This study proposed an ultrahigh-resolution multi-contrast optical coherence tomography system integrated with fundus photography for in vivo retinal imaging of rodents. A supercontinuum light source was used in the system, providing an axial resolution of less than 3 µm within 1.8 mm (in the tissue). Three types of tissue contrast based on backscattered intensity, phase retardation, and microvasculature at a capillary level can be simultaneously obtained using the proposed system. Pigmented Long-Evans, non-pigmented (albino) Sprague Dawley, and Royal College of Surgeons rats were imaged and compared. In vivo imaging results were validated with histology.