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Micrometer-resolution in-fiber OCT probe with tunable working distance
Optics Express
|August 25, 2016
Summary
This study presents a tunable fiber optic probe for optical coherence tomography (OCT), enhancing imaging resolution at varying depths. The novel probe achieves adjustable working distances and improved transverse resolution for biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Optical Engineering
- Fiber Optics
Background:
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) offers non-invasive biomedical imaging.
- Image quality in OCT can degrade with depth due to reduced transverse resolution.
- Maintaining high transverse resolution across different imaging depths is crucial for detailed analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a miniature, working distance-tunable in-fiber OCT probe.
- To investigate the impact of graded index fiber (GIF) length and air cavity on probe performance.
- To evaluate the probe's capability for high-resolution imaging at adjustable depths.
Main Methods:
- Simulation of the effects of GIF and air cavity lengths on working distance and transverse resolution.
- Fabrication and experimental validation of the tunable in-fiber OCT probe.
- Integration of the probe into an OCT system for imaging a USAF resolution target.
Main Results:
- Tunable working distance achieved from 337.31 μm to 22.28 μm.
- Transverse resolution varied from 13.86 μm to 3.6 μm, aligning with simulations.
- Achieved best resolutions of 4.9 μm (horizontal) and 6.9 μm (vertical) on a USAF target.
Conclusions:
- The developed in-fiber OCT probe effectively tunes working distance and enhances transverse resolution.
- This technology addresses OCT's depth-dependent resolution limitations.
- The probe shows promise for advanced, high-resolution non-invasive biomedical imaging.
