On-axis full-field swept-source optical coherence tomography for murine retinal imaging

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Ophthalmology
• Preclinical Imaging

Background:

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is crucial for retinal imaging.
• Existing OCT systems face limitations in speed and resolution for in vivo murine studies.
• Need for advanced imaging techniques to visualize microscopic retinal features.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a full-field swept-source OCT (FF-SS-OCT) system for in vivo murine retinal imaging.
• To achieve high-speed, high-resolution imaging of retinal microstructures.
• To provide a tool for detailed analysis of retinal layers and vascular networks.

Main Methods:

• Development of an on-axis FF-SS-OCT system using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
• Incorporation of a tunable laser source and a fast 2D-CMOS camera.
• Optimization of imaging interface, spatial sampling, and pupil stop for enhanced image quality and aberration reduction.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of FF-SS-OCT for in vivo murine retinal imaging at 150 Hz sweep rate.
• Achieved effective axial scan rate of 20 million A-scans/s and field of view of 820 × 410 µm.
• Obtained high-quality retinal B-scans and en face images revealing all major retinal layers and vascular plexuses.

Conclusions:

• The developed FF-SS-OCT system provides high-speed, high-resolution imaging of the murine retina.
• This technology is suitable for detailed visualization of retinal microanatomy and vasculature in preclinical research.
• FF-SS-OCT offers a valuable tool for advancing ophthalmological research and drug development.