In vivo ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Medical Imaging
• Laser Technology

Background:

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a valuable non-invasive imaging technique.
• Achieving subcellular resolution in vivo remains a significant challenge.
• Broad-bandwidth femtosecond lasers offer potential for enhanced OCT resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate ultrahigh-resolution OCT for in vivo subcellular imaging.
• To apply state-of-the-art femtosecond laser technology for improved imaging.
• To achieve the highest reported longitudinal resolution for in vivo OCT.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Kerr-lens mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser emitting sub-two-cycle pulses (bandwidth up to 350 nm, centered at 800 nm).
• Achieved ~1µm longitudinal and 3µm transverse resolution with a 110-dB dynamic range in biological tissue.
• Implemented zone focusing and image fusion to overcome depth-of-field limitations and maintain high transverse resolution.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated in vivo subcellular imaging capabilities using the developed OCT system.
• Achieved an unprecedented longitudinal resolution of approximately 1µm.
• Successfully constructed tomograms with high transverse resolution across the entire image depth.

Conclusions:

• Ultrahigh-resolution OCT using advanced femtosecond laser technology enables in vivo subcellular imaging.
• The demonstrated system achieves the highest longitudinal resolution reported to date for in vivo OCT.
• This technology holds significant promise for advancing biological and medical research through detailed cellular-level imaging.