Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography: technology and application in dermatology

Abstract

This paper reports on line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT), a recently invented imaging technology now capable of generating either a horizontal (en face) section image at an adjustable depth, or a vertical section image (B-scan) at an adjustable lateral position. For both operating modes, images are acquired in real-time (10 frames/second), with real-time control of the depth and lateral positions. Using a supercontinuum laser as a broadband light source and a high numerical microscope objective, an isotropic spatial resolution of ∼ 1 μm is achieved. The imaging fields of view are 1.2×0.5 mm² (x×y, horizontal) and 1.2×0.5 mm² (x×z, vertical). LC-OCT has been used in dermatology for skin imaging.