Swept source optical coherence microscopy using a Fourier domain mode-locked laser.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Microscopy
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Optical Coherence Microscopy (OCM) offers cellular resolution imaging.
• Integration with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) allows for cross-sectional views.
• High-speed 3D imaging is crucial for dynamic biological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate high-speed, 3D cellular resolution imaging using swept source OCM.
• To showcase the integration of en face OCM and OCT cross-sectional imaging.
• To validate the system's performance in various biological samples.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a buffered Fourier domain mode-locked (FDML) laser light source for high-speed data acquisition.
• Achieved transverse and axial resolutions of 1.6 µm x 8 µm.
• Demonstrated a field of view of 220 µm x 220 µm with sensitivity >98 dB.

Main Results:

• Successfully performed 3D cellular imaging with high resolution and sensitivity.
• Integrated en face OCM with OCT cross-sectional imaging capabilities.
• Validated the technique through in vivo imaging of Xenopus laevis tadpoles and ex vivo imaging of rat kidney and human colon tissues.

Conclusions:

• Swept source OCM provides a powerful platform for high-speed, 3D cellular resolution imaging.
• The integrated OCM-OCT system offers versatile visualization of biological structures.
• This technology holds significant potential for in vivo and ex vivo biological research.