Join us for a seminar on innovations in optical coherence tomography (OCT), presented by Vera Fan (Zhang group—Functional Optical Imaging Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering) on Thursday, January 23, from 12 to 1 p.m. in Ryan 4003.
RSVP here (lunch will be provided)!
Abstract:
New Horizons in Imaging: Visible-Light OCT and Swept-Source Innovations
Visible-light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) offers unique advantages over near-infrared OCT, utilizing distinct tissue attenuation and absorption properties for high-resolution imaging of retinal structures. It has been used to visualize detailed retinal layers and assess oxygen saturation in clinical applications, paving the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic insights. However, current vis-OCT systems face challenges such as sensitivity roll-off, low detection efficiency, and restricted imaging speeds, resulting in motion artifacts and shallow imaging depths.
Swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) addresses these limitations. While widely used in near-infrared OCT, swept-source technology has yet to be fully realized in the visible spectrum. Here, we introduce a novel tunable swept-source laser system designed specifically for visible-light OCT, utilizing second harmonic generation through a fan-out PPLN crystal. This innovation significantly improves imaging resolution and depth, providing the potential for high-speed, large-FOV vis-OCT applications in both clinical and research settings.
– NU SPIE Chapter