Combined optical coherence tomography and hyperspectral imaging using a double-clad fiber coupler

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Medical Imaging
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) provides high-resolution cross-sectional imaging of tissue morphology.
• Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) offers molecular information based on light-tissue interaction.
• Integrating OCT and HSI can provide complementary datasets for enhanced tissue characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a novel system combining OCT and HSI for advanced biomedical imaging.
• To leverage the strengths of both OCT and HSI for improved 3D tissue visualization and molecular analysis.
• To explore the potential of this integrated system in clinical endoscopic applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a double-clad optical fiber coupler to integrate OCT and HSI.
• Employed the single-mode core for OCT imaging of sample morphology.
• Used the inner cladding for efficient capture of sample reflectance spectra for HSI.

Main Results:

• Achieved three-dimensional morphological acquisition using OCT.
• Enhanced OCT data with complementary molecular information from HSI.
• Demonstrated HSI's capability to highlight specific molecules and generate true-color images overlaid on OCT volumes.
• Showcased improved tissue identification for clinicians.

Conclusions:

• The combined OCT-HSI system offers synergistic advantages for tissue characterization.
• This integrated imaging modality holds significant potential for clinical endoscopic applications.
• The system can improve diagnostic accuracy and surgical guidance in various medical fields.