Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography for three-dimensional skin imaging

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Medical Imaging Technology

Background:

• Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) is an emerging imaging modality.
• Existing OCT technologies have limitations in real-time 3D imaging and resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report advances in LC-OCT technology.
• To demonstrate real-time 2D and 3D imaging capabilities with high resolution.
• To showcase the potential of LC-OCT in dermatological applications.

Main Methods:

• Development of a portable LC-OCT probe with user-friendly controls (button and scroll wheel).
• Utilization of a supercontinuum laser as a broadband light source.
• Employing a high numerical aperture microscope objective for enhanced resolution.
• Acquisition of real-time horizontal (x × y) and vertical (x × z) section images.
• Generation of 3D (x × y × z) images from stacked horizontal sections.

Main Results:

• Achieved isotropic spatial resolution of approximately 1 µm.
• Demonstrated real-time acquisition for 2D imaging modes with adjustable depth and lateral positioning.
• Established a 3D field of view of 1.2 mm × 0.5 mm × 0.5 mm.
• Presented images of skin tissues to validate the technology's performance.

Conclusions:

• The advanced LC-OCT system offers versatile real-time imaging capabilities.
• The portable probe design enhances usability for clinical applications.
• LC-OCT shows significant potential for high-resolution, in vivo imaging in dermatology.