Proceedings Article | 18 June 2024
KEYWORDS: Optical coherence tomography, Endoscopy, Ray tracing, Gold, Biological imaging, Image resolution, Depth of field, In vivo imaging, Tissues, Light sources
Time-domain optical coherence tomography (TD-OCT) is an advanced imaging technique that utilizes low-coherence interferometry to capture high-resolution, cross-sectional images of biological tissue. Conventional techniques used for endoscopy are invasive and is a highly discomforting and painful procedure for the patient. So, we have proposed a TDOCT based non-invasive technique that has demonstrated significant utility in providing real-time, high-resolution imaging of tissue microstructures within the gastrointestinal tract. The TD-OCT is an in-vivo and ex-vivo cross-sectional 3D imaging technique that works on the fundamental principle of light reflection and diffraction, in other words it can be equivalent to ultrasound. The major components of the proposed TD-OCT for endoscopy are probe, broadband light source, reference arm, sample arm, detector, and signal processing algorithm. A broadband light source, typically a super luminescent diode (SLD) or a femtosecond laser is used that sends light into biological tissue, where the light is partially reflected or backscattered by various tissue structures. Then we deployed the interferometry technique, which measures the time delay between the reference light and the backscattered light to create detailed cross-sectional images. The whole optical setup of TD-OCT is simulated in the Zemax Optic Studio software for the graphical and numerical validation of ray tracing, lateral resolution, depth of focus, optical path difference and coherent power. Therefore, the suggested TDOCT, offering non-invasive imaging with high cellular resolution, holds substantial promise for a range of applications, including ophthalmology, pathology, surgery, and endoscopy.
