Spatial convolution for mirror image suppression in Fourier domain optical coherence tomography

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Medical Imaging
• Optical Coherence Tomography

Background:

• Phase-modulated Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (PM-FDOCT) is susceptible to mirror image artifacts.
• Existing mirror image suppression methods can be computationally complex and time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel spatial convolution approach for efficient mirror image suppression in PM-FDOCT.
• To demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach for in vivo small animal imaging, reducing motion artifacts.

Main Methods:

• A spatial convolution approach was developed, simplifying mirror image suppression to a three-parameter convolution based on A-scan correlation.
• The method was validated using simulated and experimental data, and adapted to a GPU-accelerated system for ultrahigh-speed processing.

Main Results:

• The spatial convolution approach reduced computational cost by 32% and improved mirror image suppression by 10%.
• Ultrahigh-speed processing (0.1 ms) was achieved using GPU acceleration.
• In vivo imaging in a mouse model demonstrated the removal of respiratory motion artifacts.

Conclusions:

• The spatial convolution approach is a versatile, fast, and effective method for mirror image suppression in PM-FDOCT.
• Its speed and efficiency make it suitable for real-time in vivo imaging, particularly in small animals.