Single-shot multi-depth full-field optical coherence tomography using spatial frequency division multiplexing.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Optical Imaging
• 3D Volumetric Imaging

Background:

• Fast 3D volumetric imaging is crucial in biology, medicine, and industry.
• Existing optical coherence tomography (OCT) methods like swept-source OCT and spectral domain OCT require lateral scanning.
• Full-field OCT captures lateral information instantly but requires depth scanning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a full-field OCT system capable of acquiring multi-depth information in a single shot.
• To overcome the limitations of sequential depth scanning in current full-field OCT techniques.
• To enable high-speed volumetric imaging for time-sensitive applications.

Main Methods:

• A novel full-field OCT system combining a 2D diffraction grating and a custom echelon.
• Preparation of multiple reference beams with varying pathlengths and propagation angles.
• Single-shot interference image recording and reconstruction of multi-depth images.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated single-shot recording of 7 distinct depth images with 10 µm spacing.
• Successfully imaged biological tissues at multiple depths simultaneously.
• Achieved high-speed acquisition of en-face images at different depths.

Conclusions:

• The developed full-field OCT system enables rapid, multi-depth imaging in a single exposure.
• This technique significantly advances volumetric imaging capabilities for biological and medical fields.
• Potential applications include high-speed en-face imaging where rapid data acquisition is critical.