Forward imaging OCT endoscopic catheter based on MEMS lens scanning

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Optical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a valuable imaging modality.
• Existing endoscopic OCT systems face limitations in miniaturization and maneuverability.
• Advancements in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) offer potential for improved endoscopic tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a fully packaged MEMS endoscopic catheter for forward imaging OCT.
• To enable high-resolution 3D OCT imaging within a compact endoscopic probe.

Main Methods:

• Utilized two electrostatic MEMS microstages for two-dimensional optical scanning using Lissajous patterns.
• Integrated a MEMS lens scanner with a gradient index fiber collimator and objective lens.
• Combined the MEMS catheter with a home-built spectral-domain OCT system (60 kHz A-line rate).

Main Results:

• Achieved two-dimensional optical scanning via orthogonal MEMS lens movement at low voltages.
• Successfully reconstructed 3D OCT images (256×256×995 voxels) by mapping A-line data.
• Demonstrated a fully packaged endoscopic MEMS catheter system.

Conclusions:

• The developed MEMS endoscopic catheter is suitable for forward imaging OCT.
• This technology offers a promising new direction for endoscopic OCT applications.
• Miniaturized MEMS scanners enable high-resolution 3D imaging in endoscopic procedures.