Development of a deviated focusing-based optical coherence microscope with a variable depth of focus for...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Microscopy Techniques
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• High-resolution imaging systems often face limitations in depth-of-focus (DOF).
• Achieving precise focusing across varying depths is crucial for detailed specimen analysis.
• Existing optical coherence microscopy (OCM) systems may require improvements in DOF for comprehensive imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an optical coherence microscopy (OCM) system with a variable depth-of-focus (DOF).
• To enhance DOF in high-resolution OCM imaging using optically deviated focusing.
• To enable precise, non-invasive visualization of specimen abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• Development of an OCM system incorporating optically deviated focusing.
• Implementation of a variable beam diameter approach in the sample arm.
• Optimization of the sample arm for enhanced DOF control.
• Validation through tissue-level imaging and analysis of fruit specimens.

Main Results:

• Successful development of a variable DOF-OCM system.
• Demonstrated enhancement of DOF through optically deviated focusing.
• Achieved a lateral resolution of 2.19 µm, suitable for detailed visualization.
• Obtained OCM images with varying DOF, confirming system efficacy.

Conclusions:

• The proposed variable DOF-OCM system offers an effective solution for high-resolution imaging.
• Optically deviated focusing significantly improves DOF with minimal lateral resolution variation.
• This system provides a valuable alternative for precise, non-invasive, variable DOF imaging.