Integrated system for combined Raman spectroscopy-spectral domain optical coherence tomography

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Spectroscopy
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Raman spectroscopy (RS) offers biochemical insights but lacks microstructural detail.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) excels at microstructural visualization but lacks molecular specificity.
• Previous combined RS-OCT systems had limitations due to independent detection arms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate an integrated RS-OCT instrument with a common detection arm.
• To combine the strengths of RS and OCT for comprehensive tissue analysis.
• To overcome limitations of previous combined RS-OCT systems.

Main Methods:

• Designed an integrated RS-OCT instrument featuring a common detection arm.
• Utilized a spectrograph for sequential detection of OCT signals (855 nm) and Raman scatter (785 nm).
• Demonstrated the instrument's capabilities in ex vivo rodent calvaria and retina, and in vivo human skin.

Main Results:

• Successfully integrated RS and OCT functionalities into a single instrument with a shared detector.
• Enabled simultaneous acquisition of microstructural and biochemical data from tissues.
• Validated the instrument's performance across various biological samples.

Conclusions:

• The integrated RS-OCT system provides a powerful, complementary approach to tissue optical analysis.
• This common detection arm design enhances efficiency and potentially reduces system complexity.
• The instrument shows promise for diverse applications in biomedical research and clinical diagnostics.