Full-field optical coherence tomography by achromatic phase shifting with a rotating polarizer

We demonstrate two-dimensional detection optical coherence tomography (OCT) using achromatic phase shifting with a rotating polarizer. This phase shifting, which experiences a light beam with a cyclic change in its polarization state, is, in principle, independent of wavelength. We simulated the wavelength dependence of an achromatic phase shifter using Jones calculus and found that the achromatic region exceeded 145 nm when the deviation of the phase retardation was less than +/- 0.5 degrees. Using the achromatic phase shifter and a conventional phase-shift calculation method, we obtained en face OCT images of an onion at different depths. This method is effective to enhance the quality of OCT with an ultrabroad-spectrum light source.     

Resolution improvement with dispersion manipulation and a retrieval algorithm in optical coherence tomography

We propose and demonstrate what is to our knowledge a novel technique of improving the spatial resolution of an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system given a non-Gaussian light source spectrum. By using dispersive materials in the reference arm of the OCT system, the resultant dispersion variation led to a full-width at half maximum (FWHM) of the interference fringe envelope smaller than the Fourier transform-limited value of a Gaussian spectral shape with the same spectral FWHM, at the expense of significant tails. The effects of the tails, which would blur the OCT images, were tremendously reduced with a retrieval algorithm. Simulation results and processed OCT scanning images have shown the capability of the proposed technique.     

Fundamental characteristics of a synthesized light source for optical coherence tomography

We describe the fundamental characteristics of a synthesized light source (SLS) consisting of two low-coherence light sources to enhance the spatial resolution for optical coherence tomography (OCT). The axial resolution of OCT is given by half the coherence length of the light source. We fabricated a SLS with a coherence length of 2.3 microm and a side-lobe intensity of 45% with an intensity ratio of LED1:LED2 = 1:0.5 by combining two light sources, LED1, with a central wavelength of 691 nm and a spectral bandwidth of 99 nm, and LED2, with a central wavelength of 882 nm and a spectral bandwidth of 76 nm. The coherence length of 2.3 microm was 56% of the shorter coherence length in the two LEDs, which indicates that the axial resolution is 1.2 microm. The lateral resolution was measured at less than 4.4 microm by use of the phase-shift method and with a test pattern as a sample. The measured rough surfaces of a coin are illustrated and discussed.     

Submicrosecond speed optical coherence tomography system design and analysis by use of acousto-optics

A novel high-speed no-moving-parts optical coherence tomography (OCT) system is introduced that acquires sample data at less than a microsecond per data point sampling rate. The basic principle of the proposed OCT system relies on use of an acousto-optic deflector. This OCT system has the attractive features of an acousto-optic scanning heterodyne interferometer coupled with an acousto-optic (AO) variable optical delay line operating in a reflective mode. Fundamentally, OCT systems use a broadband light source for high axial resolution inside the sample or living tissue under examination. Inherently, AO devices are Bragg-mode wavelength-sensitive elements. We identify that two beams generated by a Bragg cell naturally have unbalanced and inverse spectrums with respect to each other. This mismatch in spectrums in turn violates the ideal autocorrelation condition for a high signal-to-noise ratio broadband interferometric sensor such as OCT. We solve this fundamental limitation of Bragg cell use for OCT by deploying a new interferometric architecture where the two interfering beams have the same power spectral profile over the bandwidth of the broadband source. With the proposed AO based system, high (e.g., megahertz) intermediate frequency can be generated for low 1/f noise heterodyne detection. System issues such as resolution, number of axial scans, and delay-path selection time are addressed. Experiments described demonstrate our high-speed acousto-optically tuned OCT system where optical delay lines can be selected at submicrosecond speeds.     

Compound prism design principles, III: linear-in-wavenumber and optical coherence tomography prisms

We extend the work of the first two papers in this series [Appl. Opt. 50, 4998-5011 (2011), Appl. Opt. 50, 5012-5022 (2011)] to design compound prisms for linear-in-wavenumber dispersion, especially for application in spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). These dispersive prism designs are believed to be the first to meet the requirements of high resolution OCT systems in direct-view geometry, where they can be used to shrink system size, to improve light throughput, to reduce stray light, and to reduce errors resulting from interpolating between wavelength- and wavenumber-sampled domains. We show prism designs that can be used for thermal sources or for wideband superluminescent diodes centered around wavelengths 850, 900, 1300, and 1375 nm.     

Dispersion compensation in high-speed optical coherence tomography by acousto-optic modulation

We report studies of the analyses of and compensation for group dispersion to improve the axial resolution of high-speed optical coherence tomography (OCT) by acousto-optic modulation (AOM). Theoretical modeling and experiments reveal that the high-order group dispersion induced by acousto-optic crystals broadens the measured coherence length (Lc) and thus degrades the axial resolution of OCT imaging. Based on our experimental studies, we can compensate for the dispersion to less than 50% broadening of the source Lc by adjusting the grating-lens-based optical delay in the reference arm and can further eliminate it by inserting like acousto-optic crystals in the sample arm of the OCT system. The results demonstrate that this AOM-mediated OCT system permits high-performance OCT imaging at A-scan rates of as much as 4 kHz by use of a resonant scanner. Because of its ultrastable direct frequency modulation, this AOM-mediated OCT system can potentially improve the performance of high-speed Doppler OCT techniques.     

Low-noise broadband light generation from optical fibers for use in high-resolution optical coherence tomography

Broadband light generation from a single-mode optical fiber was developed for high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT). No noise amplification was observed for light broadened by self-phase modulation. The investigation showed that the intensity noise of light broadened by self-phase modulation in a single-mode optical fiber was much lower than that of continuum light from a microstructure fiber (MSF). The spectral width of a femtosecond input laser pulse was successfully broadened by a factor of 11, and a coherence length of 3.7 microm was achieved with this source. The application of light broadened by a single-mode optical fiber and MSF was compared for use in OCT imaging. The results showed that a single-mode fiber with a small core diameter is a useful way to generate low-noise, broadband light for high-resolution OCT imaging.     

A dual-modality probe utilizing intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography for intravascular imaging applications

We have developed a dual-modality biomedical imaging probe utilizing intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). It consists of an OCT probe, a miniature ultrasonic transducer and a fixed mirror. The mirror was mounted at the head of the hybrid probe 45° relative to the light and the ultrasound beams to change their propagation directions. The probe was designed to be able to cover a larger area in blood vessel by IVUS and then visualize a specific point at a much finer image resolution using OCT. To demonstrate both its feasibility and potential clinical applications, we used this ultrasound-guide OCT probe to image a rabbit aorta in vitro. The results offer convincing evidence that the complementary natures of these two modalities may yield beneficial results that could not have otherwise been obtained.     

线聚焦光学相干层析术的研究

提出了一种高速光学相干层析(OCT)成像技术方案。利用柱面镜的成像特性将传统OCT的点聚焦成像模式改变为线聚焦成像模式,从而降低二维OCT图像的扫描维数,达到提高成像速度的目的。利用ZEMAX光学软件对系统进行光线追迹获得光束经过柱面镜后的聚焦情况。随后采用635nm的激光光源和柱面镜构建了实验系统,实验结果很好地验证了光线追迹仿真结果。     

Role of beat noise in limiting the sensitivity of optical coherence tomography

The sensitivity and dynamic range of optical coherence tomography (OCT) are calculated for instruments utilizing two common interferometer configurations and detection schemes. Previous researchers recognized that the performance of dual-balanced OCT instruments is severely limited by beat noise, which is generated by incoherent light backscattered from the sample. However, beat noise has been ignored in previous calculations of Michelson OCT performance. Our measurements of instrument noise confirm the presence of beat noise even in a simple Michelson interferometer configuration with a single photodetector. Including this noise, we calculate the dynamic range as a function of OCT light source power, and find that instruments employing balanced interferometers and balanced detectors can achieve a sensitivity up to six times greater than those based on a simple Michelson interferometer, thereby boosting image acquisition speed by the same factor for equal image quality. However, this advantage of balanced systems is degraded for source powers greater than a few milliwatts. We trace the concept of beat noise back to an earlier paper.     

A hybrid light source with integrated inorganic light-emitting diode and organic polymer distributed feedback grating

We report a compact light source that incorporates a semiconductor light-emitting diode, nanostructured distributed feedback (DFB) Bragg grating and spin-coated thin conjugated polymer film. With this hybrid structure, we transferred electrically generated 390?nm ultraviolet light to an organic polymer via optical pumping and out-couple green luminescence to air through a second-order DFB grating. We demonstrate the feasibility of electrically driven, hybrid, compact light-emitting devices and lasers in the visible range.     

High-speed cross-sectional imaging of valuable documents using common-path swept-source optical coherence tomography

A common-path swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) is a promising scheme for implementing a high-speed and stable OCT system. We investigate the capability of a common-path SS-OCT system to perform the cross-sectional imaging of valuable documents translated at high speed for the check of its security feature. The influence of transport speeds, up to 2000 mm/s, on the depth resolution and the signal intensity is experimentally evaluated using a SS-OCT system equipped with a swept source at a center wavelength of 1335 nm and with a sweep repetition rate of 50 kHz. The degradation of the measured signal is in good agreement with theory.     

Highly compact imaging using Bessel beams generated by ultraminiaturized multi-micro-axicon systems

Employing Bessel beams in imaging takes advantage of their self-reconstructing properties to achieve small focal points while maintaining a large depth of focus. Bessel beams are efficiently generated using axicons, and their utility in scanning imaging systems, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), has been demonstrated. As these systems are miniaturized to allow, for example, endoscopic implementations, micro-axicons are required to assure the maintenance of a large depth of focus. We demonstrate here the design, fabrication, and application of molded micro-axicons for use in silicon-based micro-optical benches. It is shown that arrangements of multiple convex and concave axicons may be implemented to optimize the depth of focus in a miniaturized OCT system, using a telescopic optical arrangement of considerably shorter optical system length than that achievable with classical micro-optics.     

Monte Carlo modeling of optical coherence tomography imaging through turbid media

We combine a Monte Carlo technique with Mie theory to develop a method for simulating optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging through homogeneous turbid media. In our model the propagating light is represented by a plane wavelet; its line propagation direction and path length in the turbid medium are determined by the Monte Carlo technique, and the process of scattering by small particles is computed according to Mie theory. Incorporated into the model is the numerical phase function obtained with Mie theory. The effect of phase function on simulation is also illustrated. Based on this improved Monte Carlo technique, OCT imaging is directly simulated and phase information is recorded. Speckles, resolution, and coherence gating are discussed. The simulation results show that axial and transversal resolutions decrease as probing depth increases. Adapting a light source with a low coherence improves the resolution. The selection of an appropriate coherence length involves a trade-off between intensity and resolution.     

Improved method for calibrating a Stokes polarimeter

We present a method for calibrating a polarization state analyzer that uses a set of well- characterized reference polarization states and makes no assumptions about the optics contained in the polarimeter other than their linearity. The method requires that a matrix be constructed that contains the data acquired for each of the reference polarization states and that this matrix be pseudoinverted. Since this matrix is usually singular, we improve the method by performing the pseudoinversion by singular value decomposition, keeping only the four largest singular values. We demonstrate the calibration technique using an imaging polarimeter based upon liquid crystal variable retarders and with light emitting diode (LED) illumination centered at 472 nm, 525 nm, and 630 nm. We generate the reference polarization states by using an unpolarized source, a single polarizer, and a Fresnel rhomb. This method is particularly useful when calibrations are performed on field-grade instruments at a centrally maintained facility and when a traceability chain needs to be maintained.     

Implementation of intensity-modulated laser diodes in time-resolved, pump-probe fluorescence microscopy

We present the implementation of intensity-modulated laser diodes for applications in frequency-domain pump-probe fluorescence microscopy. Our technique, which is based on the stimulated-emission approach, uses two sinusoidally modulated laser diodes. One laser (635 nm) excites the chromophores under study, and the other laser (680 nm) is responsible for inducing stimulated emission from excited-state molecules. Both light sources are modulated in the 80-MHz range but with an offset of 5 kHz between them. The result of the interaction of the pump and the probe beams is that a cross-correlation fluorescence signal at 5 kHz is generated primarily at the focal volume. Microscope imaging at the cross-correlation signal results in images with high contrast, and time-resolved high-frequency information can be acquired without high-speed detection. A detailed experimental arrangement of our methodology is presented along with images acquired from a 4.0-mum-diameter fluorescent sphere and TOTO-3-labeled mouse STO cells. (TOTO-3 is a nucleic acid stain.) Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using sinusoidally modulated laser diodes for pump-probe imaging, creating the exciting possibility of high-contrast time-resolved imaging with low-cost laser-diode systems.     

Phase-matched generation of highly coherent radiation in water window region

Highly coherent extreme ultraviolet radiation around the water window region (~4.4 nm) is generated in a semi-infinitive helium gas cell using infrared pulses of wavelength 1300 nm, energy 2.5 mJ, duration 40 fs, and repetition rate 1 kHz. The pressure-squared dependence of the intensity and the almost-perfect Gaussian profile and low divergence of the high harmonic source indicate a phase-matched generation process. The spatial coherence of the source is studied using Young's double-slit measurements.     

Gold nanocages: bioconjugation and their potential use as optical imaging contrast agents

Gold nanocages of <40 nm in dimension have been synthesized using the galvanic replacement reaction between Ag nanocubes and HAuCl4 in an aqueous solution. By controlling the molar ratio between Ag and HAuCl4, the gold nanocages could be tuned to display surface plasmon resonance peaks around 800 nm, a wavelength commonly used in optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. OCT measurements on phantom samples indicate that these gold nanocages have a moderate scattering cross-section of approximately 8.10 x 10(-16) m2 but a very large absorption cross-section of approximately 7.26 x 10(-15) m2, suggesting their potential use as a new class of contrast agents for optical imaging. When bioconjugated with antibodies, the gold nanocages have also been demonstrated for specific targeting of breast cancer cells.     

Stand-off detection of solid targets with diffuse reflection spectroscopy using a high-power mid-infrared supercontinuum source

We measure the diffuse reflection spectrum of solid samples such as explosives (TNT, RDX, PETN), fertilizers (ammonium nitrate, urea), and paints (automotive and military grade) at a stand-off distance of 5 m using a mid-infrared supercontinuum light source with 3.9 W average output power. The output spectrum extends from 750-4300 nm, and it is generated by nonlinear spectral broadening in a 9 m long fluoride fiber pumped by high peak power pulses from a dual-stage erbium-ytterbium fiber amplifier operating at 1543 nm. The samples are distinguished using unique spectral signatures that are attributed to the molecular vibrations of the constituents. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) calculations demonstrate the feasibility of increasing the stand-off distance from 5 to ~150 m, with a corresponding drop in SNR from 28 to 10 dB.     

High-resolution coregistered intravascular imaging with integrated ultrasound and optical coherence tomography probe

We report an integrated ultrasound (US) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe and system for intravascular imaging. The dual-function probe is based on a 50 MHz focused ring US transducer, with a centric hole for mounting OCT probe. The coaxial US and light beams are steered by a 45° mirror to enable coregistered US∕OCT imaging simultaneously. Lateral resolution of US is improved due to focused ultrasonic beam. Mirror effects on US were investigated and invitro imaging of a rabbit aorta has been carried out. The combined US-OCT system demonstrated high resolution in visualizing superficial arterial structures while retaining deep penetration of ultrasonic imaging.