Definition of circular-ranging optical coherence tomography

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Photonics Dictionary

circular-ranging optical coherence tomography: Circular-ranging optical coherence tomography (CR-OCT) is a specialized imaging technique used in medical diagnostics and research to obtain high-resolution cross-sectional images of biological tissues. It is a variant of optical coherence tomography (OCT), which utilizes low-coherence interferometry to capture micrometer-scale resolution images of tissue microstructure in vivo.

Basic principle: CR-OCT employs low-coherence interferometry, where a broadband light source emits light that is split into a sample arm and a reference arm. Light from the sample arm is directed onto the tissue being imaged, while light from the reference arm travels a known distance. Reflected light from both arms is combined, and interference between the two beams provides depth-resolved information about the sample.

Circular-ranging configuration: In CR-OCT, the reference arm is configured in a circular path around the sample. This circular scanning geometry allows for full circumferential imaging of tubular structures or surfaces, such as blood vessels or the retina, without the need for physical rotation of the probe.

Imaging process: As light from the sample arm interacts with tissue, backscattered or reflected light returns to the interferometer. The interference pattern between the sample and reference beams is detected by a spectrometer, and mathematical algorithms are used to reconstruct depth-resolved images of tissue microstructure.

Applications:

Ophthalmology: CR-OCT is widely used in ophthalmic imaging to visualize and diagnose retinal pathologies, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.

Endoscopy: CR-OCT can be integrated into endoscopic probes for minimally invasive imaging of luminal organs, such as the gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory system.

Cardiology: CR-OCT is used in intravascular imaging to assess coronary artery disease and guide interventions such as angioplasty and stent placement.

Dermatology: CR-OCT can provide high-resolution imaging of skin layers and structures for the diagnosis of dermatological conditions and monitoring of wound healing.

Advantages:

High resolution: CR-OCT provides high-resolution cross-sectional images of tissue microstructure, allowing for detailed visualization of cellular and subcellular features.

Non-invasive: CR-OCT is a non-invasive imaging technique that does not require contact with the tissue being imaged, minimizing patient discomfort and risk of infection.

Real-time imaging: CR-OCT can provide real-time, high-speed imaging of tissue structures, enabling dynamic visualization of physiological processes.

Limitations:

Depth limitation: CR-OCT has a limited penetration depth compared to other imaging modalities such as ultrasound, limiting its use in imaging deeper tissues.

Motion artifacts: Motion artifacts from involuntary movements of the patient or sample can degrade image quality, especially in dynamic imaging scenarios.

Cost and complexity: CR-OCT systems can be costly and require specialized equipment and expertise for operation and interpretation of results.

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