Micro-optical coherence tomography (micro-OCT) is an imaging technique that is an adaptation of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to achieve high-resolution, cross-sectional imaging of biological tissues at a microscopic scale. OCT is a non-invasive optical imaging technology commonly used in medical and biological applications for visualizing tissue structure.
Key features of micro-OCT include:
High resolution: Micro-OCT provides high-resolution imaging, allowing researchers and clinicians to visualize structures at the microscopic level within biological tissues.
Cross-sectional imaging: Similar to conventional OCT, micro-OCT utilizes the principle of interferometry to capture cross-sectional images of tissues. It provides detailed information about tissue morphology, including cellular and subcellular structures.
Non-invasive: Micro-OCT, like OCT, is a non-invasive imaging technique. It uses low-coherence interferometry to capture images without the need for physical contact with the sample.
Applications: Micro-OCT finds applications in various fields, including ophthalmology, dermatology, and other biomedical research areas. It enables detailed imaging of cellular structures, aiding in the understanding of tissue morphology and pathology.
Three-dimensional imaging: Micro-OCT can be used to generate three-dimensional reconstructions of tissue structures. This capability is valuable for comprehensive visualization and analysis of complex biological samples.
Applications of micro-OCT may include studying the microscopic features of the retina, imaging skin layers, or investigating biological tissues at a cellular level. The technology has the potential to contribute to advancements in medical diagnostics and research by providing detailed, non-invasive imaging capabilities at a microscopic scale.