Simultaneous dual-band optical coherence tomography for endoscopic applications

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Medical Imaging Technology
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• Dual-band optical coherence tomography (OCT) offers improved imaging contrast and functional analysis capabilities.
• Simultaneous dual-band OCT systems are crucial for advanced biomedical imaging applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a novel simultaneous dual-band Fourier domain mode-locked swept laser configuration for dual-band OCT.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of this system for in vivo and ex vivo imaging.

Main Methods:

• A custom dual-channel driver synchronized two wavelength bands (1310 nm and 1550 nm).
• Simultaneous sweeping of wavelengths from 1260-1364.8 nm and 1500-1604 nm at 45 kHz A-scan rate.
• Broadband wavelength-division multiplexing coupled bands into a common catheter for circumferential scanning.

Main Results:

• Successful implementation of a simultaneous dual-band OCT system.
• Demonstrated endoscopic OCT imaging of mouse esophageal wall ex vivo.
• Showcased in vivo imaging of human fingertip.

Conclusions:

• The proposed dual-band OCT system is fast and easily implemented.
• This technique enables high-speed in vivo biomedical imaging.
• Potential applications include spectroscopic investigations for endoscopic imaging.