Simultaneous en-face imaging of multiple layers with multiple reference optical coherence tomography.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Optical Imaging
• Interferometry

Background:

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) provides cross-sectional imaging.
• Simultaneous imaging at multiple depths is challenging with conventional OCT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a novel Multiple Reference Optical Coherence Tomography (MR-OCT) technique.
• To demonstrate simultaneous imaging at multiple depths with arbitrary layer selection and spacing.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of MR-OCT using a partial mirror in the reference arm of a Michelson interferometer.
• Acquisition of volumetric data (200×200×200 voxels) of a partial fingerprint.
• Digital processing to extract multiple imaging layers with adjustable spacing.

Main Results:

• Successful in-vivo validation of MR-OCT on a reference sample and a fingerprint.
• Demonstration of arbitrary layer selection and spacing through digital processing.
• Acquisition time of 20 seconds for one volume at 1 kHz mirror scan frequency and 2 kHz A-line rate.

Conclusions:

• The proposed layer scanning MR-OCT technique is feasible for simultaneous multi-depth imaging.
• The method allows flexible adjustment of imaging layers and spacing.
• Potential for higher scan rates due to reduced scan range requirements.