Dynamic-OCT simulation framework based on mathematical models of intratissue dynamics, image formation, and...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Medical Imaging Technology
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Dynamic optical coherence tomography (DOCT) offers label-free functional imaging by detecting motion-induced signal changes.
• A clear understanding of the relationship between DOCT signals and underlying sample dynamics is currently lacking.
• Existing DOCT methods require further development for precise interpretation of motion-related signals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present a comprehensive simulation framework for dynamic optical coherence tomography (DOCT).
• To elucidate the complex relationship between DOCT signals and intracellular/intratissue motions.
• To provide an open-source tool for advancing DOCT research and applications.

Main Methods:

• Developed a simulation framework integrating mathematical models of intracellular and intratissue motions.
• Incorporated two distinct OCT signal generator types to simulate OCT signal time sequences from moving scatterer models.
• Integrated representative DOCT algorithms within the simulation framework for comprehensive analysis.

Main Results:

• The simulation framework successfully models the generation of OCT signals from dynamic biological samples.
• Numerical studies demonstrated the framework's utility in analyzing the impact of motion on DOCT signals.
• The framework provides a robust platform for testing and validating DOCT algorithms.

Conclusions:

• The presented DOCT simulation framework enhances the understanding of signal-motion relationships in label-free imaging.
• This open-source tool is expected to accelerate the development and clinical translation of DOCT technologies.
• The framework facilitates deeper insights into cellular and tissue dynamics through advanced optical coherence tomography.