Lidar-like equation model for optical coherence tomography signal solution

Abstract

The objective of this work was to develop a LIDAR-like equation model to analyze the measured Optical coherence tomography (OCT) signal and determine the total extinction coefficient of a scattering sample. OCT is an interferometric technique that explore sample backscattering feature to acquire in depth cross-section images using a low coherence light source. Although, almost of the OCT applications are intended to generate images for diagnostic, similar to histological images, but the backscattering signal carries much more information. The backscattering problem is similar to those found on LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) problem, this similar situation indicate a path that should be followed to solve the OCT problem. To determine the total extinction coefficient three inversion methods was used: the slope, boundary point and optical depth methods solutions. These algorithms were used to analyze the OCT signal of a single and double layer dentist resin polymer. The total extinction coefficient variations along the optical path were obtained in order to evaluate the potential of this technique to differentiate structures with different optical properties. The sample optical characteristics extracted from OCT signal can be use as an additional quantitative method to help clinical diagnoses when applied on biological tissues among others.