Common-path optical coherence tomography with side-viewing bare fiber probe for endoscopic optical coherence...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Fiber Optic Technology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Miniaturization of endoscopic and intravascular imaging probes is crucial for minimally invasive procedures.
• Traditional optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems often require bulky and complex probe designs.
• Developing simplified, monolithic probes can enhance the feasibility of OCT in diverse clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate and analyze an all-fiber-optic common-path OCT system with a novel side-viewing bare fiber probe.
• To investigate the theoretical effects of fiber tip angle on system performance, including reference reflection and sensitivity.
• To explore the integration of a microlens with the bare fiber probe for performance optimization.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a side-viewing probe by angle-cleaving a single-mode fiber tip (~49 degrees) to induce total internal reflection for side illumination.
• Implementation of a common-path OCT configuration utilizing the bare fiber probe.
• Theoretical analysis of the impact of the cleaved fiber angle on reference reflection and system sensitivity.
• Experimental evaluation of the probe's performance in arterial tissue, obtaining circumferential OCT scans.
• Integration and testing of the bare fiber probe with a microlens to optimize performance.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of an all-fiber-optic common-path OCT system with a side-viewing bare fiber probe.
• Circumferential OCT scans were acquired from arterial tissue using the miniaturized probe.
• Theoretical analysis provided insights into the relationship between fiber angle, reference reflection, and system sensitivity.
• Optimization studies involving a microlens indicated potential for enhanced probe performance.

Conclusions:

• The developed side-viewing bare fiber probe offers a highly miniaturized and simplified design for common-path OCT.
• This approach holds significant potential for simplifying instrumentation in endoscopic OCT and intravascular OCT applications.
• The study highlights the advantages of combining common-path OCT principles with extremely simplified probe designs for future medical imaging advancements.