Optical Coherence Tomography for Medical Applications

Optical Coherence Tomography for Medical Applications

44111555-2 Zhang Rui Graduate School of Information, Production and Systems, Waseda University ruiz@ruri.waseda.jp

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a new modality capable of cross sectional imaging of biological tissue. Due to its many technical advantages such as high image resolution, fast acquisition time, and noninvasive capabilities, OCT is potentially useful in various medical applications. Because OCT systems can function with a fiber optic probe, they are applicable to almost any anatomic structures accessible either directly, or by endoscopy. OCT has the potential to provide a fast and noninvasive means for early clinical detection, diagnosis, screening, and monitoring of precancer and cancer. The goal of this paper is to present the latest OCT technologies used in the Medical applications.

Keywords: medical, optical coherence tomography (OCT). 1 Introduction

provide a direct evaluation of the effectiveness of cancer treatments.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was first introduced as an imaging technique in biological systems in 1991 (Huang et al, 1991). The noninvasive nature of this imaging modality coupled with (i) a penetration depth of 2–3 mm, (ii) high resolution (5–15lm), real-time image viewing, and (iii) capability for cross-sectional as well as 3D tomographic images, provide excellent prerequisites for in vivo oral screening and diagnosis. Optical coherence tomography has most often been compared with ultrasound imaging. Both technologies employ back-scattered signals reflected from different layers within the tissue to reconstruct structural images, with the latter measuring sound rather than light. The resulting OCT image is a two-dimensional representation of the optical reflection within a tissue sample. Cross-sectional images of tissues are constructed in real time, at near histologic resolution (approximately 5-15 ｕ m with current technology). These images...