Theory and design of Schwarzschild scan objective for Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical coherence elastography (OCE) is one form of multi-channel imaging that combines high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging with mechanical tissue stimulation. This combination of structural and functional imaging can require additional space to integrate imaging capabilities with additional functional elements (e.g., optical, mechanical, or acoustic modulators) either at or near the imaging axis. We address this challenge by designing a novel scan lens based on a modified Schwarzchild objective lens, comprised of a pair of concentric mirrors with potential space to incorporate additional functional elements and minimal compromise to the available scan field. This scan objective design allows perpendicular tissue-excitation and response recording. The optimized scan lens design results in a working distance that is extended to ~140 mm (nearly 2x the focal length), an expanded central space suitable for additional functional elements (>15 mm in diameter) and diffraction-limited lateral resolution (19.33 μm) across a full annular scan field ~ ± 7.5 mm to ± 12.7 mm.