Detection of plasmonic nanoparticles with full field-OCT: optical and photothermal detection

Detecting the signal backscattered by nanoparticles immersed in highly scattering media such as biological tissue remains a challenge. In this article we report on the use of Full Field OCT (FF-OCT) to slice in depth in phantoms and in tissues in order a) to selectively observe the particles through the backscattered light at suitable wavelengths, and b) to detect the effects of the time-dependent response to full field optical heating through the strong absorption cross-section of these plasmonic nanoparticles. The analysis of the thermal wave behavior leads to the localization of the heat sources even when FF-OCT signals cannot reach the heated area.