Optical coherence tomography: technology and applications for neuroimaging

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an emerging imaging technology with applications in biology, medicine, and materials investigations. Attractive features include high cellular-level resolution, real-time acquisition rates, and spectroscopic feature extraction in a compact noninvasive instrument. OCT can perform "optical biopsies" of tissue, producing images approaching the resolution of histology without having to resect and histologically process tissue specimens for characterization and diagnosis. This article will review several of the current technological developments in OCT. To illustrate the potential of this technology for neuroimaging, applications for imaging neural development, the neural retina, tumors of the central nervous system, and the microsurgical repair of peripheral nerves will be presented. This technology offers a potential investigative tool for addressing many of the present challenges in neuroimaging.