Non-invasive optical coherence tomography with in depth analysis of modalities : fourier domain and polarization sentivity

• Main Author: Nivetha Narayanasamy
• Other Authors: Chan Chi Chiu
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Bioengineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/60799
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Optical Tomography was invented at the beginning years of 1980s and branched into various approaches. One such approach is the optical coherence tomography (OCT). This report will delve deeper onto the faction of OCT investigating the principles of OCT as well as the practical application of OCT that can be a useful imaging technique in the future. So far, research in this area has shown tremendous therapeutic potential that can be transformed into reality in the near future. Optical techniques are evolving to be increasingly popular in the medical industry due to its non-invasive and therefore safer and cheaper nature compared to other imaging techniques. OCT can be used in a variety of fields. However, medical application takes precedence over them in researching capacity. With the capability of achieving high axial and lateral resolution, OCT opens the possibility to many functions that are dependent on image contrasting methods. Due to high scattering media, it is possible to achieve transverse resolution independent of depth resolution paving way for contact-free in vitro and non-invasive imaging becomes possible. Capturing a series of cross-sectional images with increasing laterally adjacent depth scans manufactures the final OCT scan. Currently, OCT is being used in various distinct fields of optical imaging in macro-structures that can be viewed through the unassisted eye or with slight magnification with the likes of a microscope or a magnifying glass. However, it is limited to only magnifications within microscopic image resolution or, in the case of endoscopic imaging, using only low to medium magnifications. Earlier OCT research dealt with reflectometry techniques and the dual-beam techniques in relation to the time-domain low coherence interferometry imaging. The focus has shifted to Fourier-domain techniques since then, paving way to improved imaging methods. For example, the invention of parallel OCT methods has made lateral scanning irrelevant saving time and accelerating imaging rate. This report will investigate the more recent evolutions of OCT scanning, such as Fourier Domain OCT and Polarization Sensitive OCT, and evaluate the future applications of such techniques.