Handheld ultrahigh speed swept source optical coherence tomography instrument using a MEMS scanning mirror

We developed an ultrahigh speed, handheld swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) ophthalmic instrument using a 2D MEMS mirror. A vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) operating at 1060 nm center wavelength yielded a 350 kHz axial scan rate and 10 µm axial resolution in tissue. The long coherence length of the VCSEL enabled a 3.08 mm imaging range with minimal sensitivity roll-off in tissue. Two different designs with identical optical components were tested to evaluate handheld OCT ergonomics. An iris camera aided in alignment of the OCT beam through the pupil and a manual fixation light selected the imaging region on the retina. Volumetric and high definition scans were obtained from 5 undilated normal subjects. Volumetric OCT data was acquired by scanning the 2.4 mm diameter 2D MEMS mirror sinusoidally in the fast direction and linearly in the orthogonal slow direction. A second volumetric sinusoidal scan was obtained in the orthogonal direction and the two volumes were processed with a software algorithm to generate a merged motion-corrected volume. Motion-corrected standard 6 x 6 mm² and wide field 10 x 10 mm² volumetric OCT data were generated using two volumetric scans, each obtained in 1.4 seconds. High definition 10 mm and 6 mm B-scans were obtained by averaging and registering 25 B-scans obtained over the same position in 0.57 seconds. One of the advantages of volumetric OCT data is the generation of en face OCT images with arbitrary cross sectional B-scans registered to fundus features. This technology should enable screening applications to identify early retinal disease, before irreversible vision impairment or loss occurs. Handheld OCT technology also promises to enable applications in a wide range of settings outside of the traditional ophthalmology or optometry clinics including pediatrics, intraoperative, primary care, developing countries, and military medicine.OCIS codes: (170.4460) Ophthalmic optics and devices, (170.5755) Retina scanning, (170.3880) Medical and biological imaging, (170.4500) Optical coherence tomography, (170.4470) Ophthalmology     

Complex conjugate resolved heterodyne swept source optical coherence tomography using coherence revival

We describe a simple and low-cost technique for resolving the complex conjugate ambiguity in Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) that is applicable to many swept source OCT (SSOCT) systems. First, we review the principles of coherence revival, wherein an interferometer illuminated by an external cavity tunable laser (ECTL) exhibits interference fringes when the two arms of the interferometer are mismatched by an integer multiple of the laser cavity length. Second, we report observations that the spectral interferogram obtained from SSOCT systems employing certain ECTLs are automatically phase modulated when the arm lengths are mismatched this way. This phase modulation results in a frequency-shifted interferogram, effectively creating an extended-depth heterodyne SSOCT system without the use of acousto-optic or electro-optic modulators. We suggest that this phase modulation may be caused by the ECTL cavity optical pathlength varying slightly over the laser sweep, and support this hypothesis with numerical simulations. We also report on the successful implementation of this technique with two commercial swept source lasers operating at 840nm and 1040nm, with sweep rates of 8kHz and 100kHz respectively. The extended imaging depth afforded by this technique was demonstrated by measuring the sensitivity fall-off profiles of each laser with matched and mismatched interferometer arms. The feasibility of this technique for clinical systems is demonstrated by imaging the ocular anterior segments of healthy human volunteers.     

Efficient sweep buffering in swept source optical coherence tomography using a fast optical switch

We describe a novel buffering technique for increasing the A-scan rate of swept source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT) systems employing low duty cycle swept source lasers. This technique differs from previously reported buffering techniques in that it employs a fast optical switch, capable of switching in 60 ns, instead of a fused fiber coupler at the end of the buffering stage, and is therefore appreciably more power efficient. The use of the switch also eliminates patient exposure to light that is not used for imaging that occurs at the end of the laser sweep, thereby increasing the system sensitivity. We also describe how careful management of polarization can remove undesirable artifacts due to polarization mode dispersion. In addition, we demonstrate how numerical compensation techniques can be used to modify the signal from a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) clock obtained from the original sweep to recalibrate the buffered sweep, thereby reducing the complexity of systems employing lasers with integrated MZI clocks. Combining these methods, we constructed an SSOCT system employing an Axsun technologies laser with a sweep rate of 100kHz and 6dB imaging range of 5.5mm. The sweep rate was doubled with sweep buffering to 200 kHz, and the imaging depth was extended to 9 mm using coherence revival. We demonstrated the feasibility of this system by acquiring images of the anterior segments and retinas of healthy human volunteers.OCIS codes: (170.4500) Optical coherence tomography     

Digital ocular swept source optical coherence aberrometry

Ocular aberrometry is an essential technique in vision science and ophthalmology. We demonstrate how a phase-sensitive single mode fiber-based swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) setup can be employed for quantitative ocular aberrometry with digital adaptive optics (DAO). The system records the volumetric point spread function at the retina in a de-scanning geometry using a guide star pencil beam. Succeeding test-retest repeatability assessment with defocus and astigmatism analysis on a model eye within ± 3 D dynamic range, the feasibility of technique is demonstrated in-vivo at a B-scan rate of >1 kHz in comparison with a commercially available aberrometer.     

Complete complex conjugate resolved heterodyne swept source optical coherence tomography using a dispersive optical delay line: erratum

We correct an error in our previous paper [Biomed. Opt. Express 2, 1218 (2011)] which led to an erroneous conclusion that a dispersive optical delay line (DODL) used in a swept source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT) system generated a pure phase modulation allowing for complex conjugate artifact removal in Fourier domain OCT via optical heterodyning. We now understand that an alternate phenomenon known as coherence revival was responsible for the observed phase modulation, while the DODL provided a compact means of generating a large group delay with readily adjustable group velocity dispersion compensation.     

Birefringence measurement of cornea and anterior segment by office-based polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography

We present a case series of cornea and anterior segment disorders investigated by an office-based polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT). Blebs of glaucoma patients treated by trabeculectomy, and corneas of keratoconus and keratoplasty patients were measured by PS-OCT. Birefringence formations in trabeculectomy bleb were measured in 1 control eye and 3 eyes of trabeculectomy model rabbits. Polarization insensitive scattering OCT and the depth-resolved birefringence were measured simultaneously by PS-OCT. Abnormal birefringence was observed in keratoconus cases with advanced thinning and with a rupture of Descemet's membrane. The graft-host interface of the keratoplasty case showed abnormal birefringence. The appearance of abnormal birefringence in the cornea was likely to be an indication of cross-linking of collagen fibrils. The measurement of rabbit showed abnormal birefringence in the scarring eyes. Wide regions of strong birefringence were observed in the eyes of trabeculectomy patients who had high intraocular pressure. Visualization of scarring in bleb by PS-OCT may be useful for the planning of secondary surgery. PS-OCT showed promising for the study and diagnosis diseases related to abnormal fibrous tissues of the cornea and anterior eye segment.     

Handheld simultaneous scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography system

Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are widely used retinal imaging modalities that can assist in the diagnosis of retinal pathologies. The combination of SLO and OCT provides a more comprehensive imaging system and a method to register OCT images to produce motion corrected retinal volumes. While high quality, bench-top SLO-OCT systems have been discussed in the literature and are available commercially, there are currently no handheld designs. We describe the first design and fabrication of a handheld SLO/spectral domain OCT probe. SLO and OCT images were acquired simultaneously with a combined power under the ANSI limit. High signal-to-noise ratio SLO and OCT images were acquired simultaneously from a normal subject with visible motion artifacts. Fully automated motion estimation methods were performed in post-processing to correct for the inter- and intra-frame motion in SLO images and their concurrently acquired OCT volumes. The resulting set of reconstructed SLO images and the OCT volume were without visible motion artifacts. At a reduced field of view, the SLO resolved parafoveal cones without adaptive optics at a retinal eccentricity of 11° in subjects with good ocular optics. This system may be especially useful for imaging young children and subjects with less stable fixation.OCIS codes: (170.4460) Ophthalmic optics and devices, (080.3620) Lens system design, (170.0110) Imaging systems, (170.5755) Retina scanning, (170.4470) Ophthalmology, (110.4500) Optical coherence tomography, (110.4153) Motion estimation and optical flow     

Miniature real-time intraoperative forward-imaging optical coherence tomography probe

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has a tremendous global impact upon the ability to diagnose, treat, and monitor eye diseases. A miniature 25-gauge forward-imaging OCT probe with a disposable tip was developed for real-time intraoperative ocular imaging of posterior pole and peripheral structures to improve vitreoretinal surgery. The scanning range was 2 mm when the probe tip was held 3-4 mm from the tissue surface. The axial resolution was 4-6 µm and the lateral resolution was 25-35 µm. The probe was used to image cellophane tape and multiple ocular structures.OCIS codes: (170.4500) Optical coherence tomography, (120.3890) Medical optics instrumentation     

Tuning of successively scanned two monolithic Vernier-tuned lasers and selective data sampling in optical comb swept source optical coherence tomography

Monolithic Vernier tuned super-structure grating distributed Bragg reflector (SSG-DBR) lasers are expected to become one of the most promising sources for swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) with a long coherence length, reduced sensitivity roll-off, and potential capability for a very fast A-scan rate. However, previous implementations of the lasers suffer from four main problems: 1) frequencies deviate from the targeted values when scanned, 2) large amounts of noise appear associated with abrupt changes in injection currents, 3) optically aliased noise appears due to a long coherence length, and 4) the narrow wavelength coverage of a single chip limits resolution. We have developed a method of dynamical frequency tuning, a method of selective data sampling to eliminate current switching noise, an interferometer to reduce aliased noise, and an excess-noise-free connection of two serially scanned lasers to enhance resolution to solve these problems. An optical frequency comb SS-OCT system was achieved with a sensitivity of 124 dB and a dynamic range of 55-72 dB that depended on the depth at an A-scan rate of 3.1 kHz with a resolution of 15 μm by discretely scanning two SSG-DBR lasers, i.e., L-band (1.560-1.599 μm) and UL-band (1.598-1.640 μm). A few OCT images with excellent image penetration depth were obtained.OCIS codes: (170.4500) Optical coherence tomography, (170.3880) Medical and biological imaging, (170.4470) Ophthalmology     

Nonlinear distortion correction for posterior eye segment optical coherence tomography with application to tree shrews

We propose an empirical distortion correction approach for optical coherence tomography (OCT) devices that use a fan-scanning pattern to image the posterior eye segment. Two types of reference markers were used to empirically estimate the distortion correction approach in tree shrew eyes: retinal curvature from MRI images and implanted glass beads of known diameter. Performance was tested by correcting distorted images of the optic nerve head. In small animal eyes, our purposed method effectively reduced nonlinear distortions compared to a linear scaling method. No commercial posterior segment OCT provides anatomically correct images, which may bias the 3D interpretation of these scans. Our method can effectively reduce such bias.     

Single input state polarization sensitive swept source optical coherence tomography based on an all single mode fiber interferometer

We present a newly developed single mode fiber based swept source polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography system using a single input state at 1040 nm. Two non-polarizing fiber based beam splitters are combined to form a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, while two polarizing beam splitters are used to obtain a polarization sensitive detection. Both types of beam splitters solely feature conventional single mode fibers. Polarization control paddles are used to set and maintain the polarization states in the fibers of the interferometer and detection unit. By use of a special paddle alignment scheme we are able to eliminate any bulk optic wave plates and polarization maintaining fibers in the interferometer and detection paths while preserving the advantages of a single input state system that illuminates the sample with circularly polarized light. To demonstrate the capabilities of our system, we performed retinal measurements on healthy human volunteers.OCIS codes: (170.0170) Medical optics and biotechnology, (170.0110) Imaging systems, (170.2655) Functional monitoring and imaging, (170.4500) Optical coherence tomography, (170.4470) Ophthalmology, (060.2430) Fibers, single-mode     

Logarithmic intensity and speckle-based motion contrast methods for human retinal vasculature visualization using swept source optical coherence tomography

We formulate a theory to show that the statistics of OCT signal amplitude and intensity are highly dependent on the sample reflectivity strength, motion, and noise power. Our theoretical and experimental results depict the lack of speckle amplitude and intensity contrasts to differentiate regions of motion from static areas. Two logarithmic intensity-based contrasts, logarithmic intensity variance (LOGIV) and differential logarithmic intensity variance (DLOGIV), are proposed for serving as surrogate markers for motion with enhanced sensitivity. Our findings demonstrate a good agreement between the theoretical and experimental results for logarithmic intensity-based contrasts. Logarithmic intensity-based motion and speckle-based contrast methods are validated and compared for in vivo human retinal vasculature visualization using high-speed swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) at 1060 nm. The vasculature was identified as regions of motion by creating LOGIV and DLOGIV tomograms: multiple B-scans were collected of individual slices through the retina and the variance of logarithmic intensities and differences of logarithmic intensities were calculated. Both methods captured the small vessels and the meshwork of capillaries associated with the inner retina in en face images over 4 mm(2) in a normal subject.     

Mirau-type full-field optical coherence tomography with switchable partially spatially coherent illumination modes

A crystalline-fiber-based Mirau-type full-field optical coherence tomography (FF-OCT) system utilizing two partially coherent illumination modes is presented. Using a diode-pumped Ti:sapphire crystalline fiber with a high numerical aperture, spatially-incoherent broadband emission can be generated with high radiance. With two modes of different spatial coherence settings, either deeper penetration depth or higher B-scan rate can be achieved. In a wide-field illumination mode, the system functions like FF-OCT with partially coherent illumination to improve the penetration depth. In a strip-field illumination mode, a compressed field is generated on the sample, and a low-speckle B-scan can be acquired by compounding pixel lines within.     

Frequency multiplexed long range swept source optical coherence tomography

We present a novel swept source optical coherence tomography configuration, equipped with acousto-optic deflectors that can be used to simultaneously acquire multiple B-scans originating from different depths. The sensitivity range of the configuration is evaluated while acquiring five simultaneous B-scans. Then the configuration is employed to demonstrate long range B-scan imaging by combining two simultaneous B-scans from a mouse head sample.OCIS codes: (120.3180) Interferometry, (110.4500) Optical coherence tomography, (170.1065) Acousto-optics, (170.0110) Imaging systems, (110.6880) Three-dimensional image acquisition, (140.3600) Lasers, tunable     

Miniaturized magnetic-driven scanning probe for endoscopic optical coherence tomography

We designed and implemented a magnetic-driven scanning (MDS) probe for endoscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT). The probe uses an externally-driven tiny magnet in the distal end to achieve unobstructed 360-degree circumferential scanning at the side of the probe. The design simplifies the scanning part inside the probe and thus allows for easy miniaturization and cost reduction. We made a prototype probe with an outer diameter of 1.4 mm and demonstrated its capability by acquiring OCT images of ex vivo trachea and artery samples from a pigeon. We used a spectrometer-based Fourier-domain OCT system and the system sensitivity with our prototype probe was measured to be 91 dB with an illumination power of 850 μW and A-scan exposure time of 1 ms. The axial and lateral resolutions of the system are 6.5 μm and 8.1 μm, respectively.OCIS codes: (170.4500) Optical coherence tomography, (170.3880) Medical and biological imaging, (170.2150) Endoscopic imaging, (120.5800) Scanners     

A morphological study of corneal flap after thin-flap laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis by anterior segment optical coherence tomography

This prospective study assessed corneal flap morphology in 115 patients undergoing laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Flaps were created using the Moria M2 90-μm or KM-5000D 110-μm microkeratomes. Flap thickness was measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography at seven points in a 7-mm diameter zone 1 h, 1 day, 3 days, 1 week and 1 month after surgery. Flap accuracy, reproducibility, uniformity and changes over time were evaluated. The Moria M2 microkeratome created flaps with less accuracy in the centre than the KM-5000D microkeratome (114.06 ± 6.46 μm vs 128.39 ± 6.79 μm, respectively, at 1 week). For both microkeratomes, flap thickness varied between most of the peripheral areas and the central point. Both microkeratomes created flaps with good central predictability and reproducibility, but high variation and significant deviation from intended thickness were observed in peripheral flap thickness.     

True color scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography handheld probe

Scanning laser ophthalmoscopes (SLOs) are able to achieve superior contrast and axial sectioning capability compared to fundus photography. However, SLOs typically use monochromatic illumination and are thus unable to extract color information of the retina. Previous color SLO imaging techniques utilized multiple lasers or narrow band sources for illumination, which allowed for multiple color but not “true color” imaging as done in fundus photography. We describe the first “true color” SLO, handheld color SLO, and combined color SLO integrated with a spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. To achieve accurate color imaging, the SLO was calibrated with a color test target and utilized an achromatizing lens when imaging the retina to correct for the eye’s longitudinal chromatic aberration. Color SLO and OCT images from volunteers were then acquired simultaneously with a combined power under the ANSI limit. Images from this system were then compared with those from commercially available SLOs featuring multiple narrow-band color imaging.OCIS codes: (170.4460) Ophthalmic optics and devices, (330.1710) Color, measurement, (170.0110) Imaging systems, (170.5755) Retina scanning, (170.4470) Ophthalmology, (110.4500) Optical coherence tomography     

Motion-compensated hand-held common-path Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography probe for image-guided intervention

A motion-compensated, hand-held, common-path, Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography imaging probe has been developed for image-guided intervention during microsurgery. A hand-held prototype instrument was achieved by integrating an imaging fiber probe inside a stainless steel needle and attached to the ceramic shaft of a piezoelectric motor housed in an aluminum handle. The fiber probe obtains A-scan images. The distance information was extracted from the A-scans to track the sample surface distance and a fixed distance was maintained by a feedback motor control which effectively compensated hand tremor and target movements in the axial direction. Real-time data acquisition, processing, motion compensation, and image visualization and saving were implemented on a custom CPU-GPU hybrid architecture. We performed 10× zero padding to the raw spectrum to obtain 0.16 µm position accuracy with a compensation rate of 460 Hz. The root-mean-square error of hand-held distance variation from target position was measured to be 2.93 µm. We used a cross-correlation maximization-based shift correction algorithm for topology correction. To validate the system, we performed free-hand OCT M-scan imaging using various samples.OCIS codes: (100.2000) Digital image processing, (110.4500) Optical coherence tomography, (170.3890) Medical optics instrumentation