Abstract
We report on a theoretical model for image formation in full-field optical coherence tomography (FFOCT). Because the spatial incoherence of the illumination acts as a virtual confocal pinhole in FFOCT, its imaging performance is equivalent to a scanning time-gated coherent confocal microscope. In agreement with optical experiments enabling a precise control of aberrations, FFOCT is shown to have nearly twice the resolution of standard imaging at moderate aberration level. Beyond a rigorous study on the sensitivity of FFOCT with respect to aberrations, this theoretical model paves the way towards an optimized design of adaptive optics and computational tools for high-resolution and deep imaging of biological tissues.
Highlights
Since the early nineties, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become a widely used imaging technique in medical science especially in ophthalmology
full-field optical coherence tomography (FFOCT) is shown to be equivalent to a time-gated confocal microscope where the scanner acts synchronously on the sample arm and on the reference arm
These experimental results are interpreted by means of a simple Fourier optics model that allows to compare FFOCT with other standard reflection imaging techniques
Summary
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become a widely used imaging technique in medical science especially in ophthalmology. Structured [16] or spatially-incoherent [17] illuminations can be used to maintain the confocal gate of the original FFOCT scheme [8, 9] and filter most of multiple scattering background Whether it be recorded in the time or spectral domains, studying the impact of aberrations on the FFOCT image formation is crucial to understand how to incorporate efficient adaptive optics [18, 19] or post-processing computational tools such as interferometric synthetic aperture microscopy [14, 20,21,22] or matrix imaging methods [23, 24] in FFOCT [25]. We will conclude on how adaptive optics and matrix imaging methods can help, in the near future, on how to overcome the aforementioned issues
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
