Pupil tracking optical coherence tomography for precise control of pupil entry position

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmic imaging
• Biomedical optics
• Retinal imaging technology

Background:

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) retinal imaging requires precise beam positioning for optimal light collection and aberration minimization.
• Retinal structure reflectivity, such as Henle's Fiber Layer (HFL), is angle-dependent, necessitating control over illumination incidence.
• Existing OCT systems face challenges in maintaining consistent pupil entry position due to eye motion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an automated method for controlling the lateral pupil entry position in retinal OCT.
• To enhance image quality by optimizing light collection and reducing aberrations.
• To enable angle-dependent imaging of retinal structures like HFL.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a 2D fast steering mirror conjugate to the retinal plane.
• Integration of real-time pupil tracking to dynamically adjust the OCT beam's lateral position.
• Utilizing the system to control the illumination angle of incidence at the retinal plane.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated prevention of lateral motion artifacts through active pupil tracking.
• Achieved precise and stable control over the OCT beam's pupil entry point.
• Successfully visualized the obliquely oriented Henle's Fiber Layer (HFL) by controlling illumination angle.

Conclusions:

• Automated pupil tracking in OCT significantly improves control over beam-eye alignment.
• This method enhances image quality and allows for novel angle-dependent imaging of retinal microstructures.
• The developed system offers a valuable tool for advanced retinal imaging and research.