Microscopic OCT imaging with focus extension by ultrahigh-speed acousto-optic tunable lens and stroboscopic illumination.

Abstract

We develop high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) system with high-speed acousto-optic tunable lens. Stroboscopic pulsed illumination is used for the first time to perform time-resolved OCT imaging with acousto-optic tunable focusing. The operation of ultrahigh-speed tunable acousto-optic lens is demonstrated theoretically and experimentally. Focal position tuning at MHz frequency range is experimentally shown in the imaging system leading to OCT images with extended depth of focus. Imaging with active optical elements is helpful for improvement of photon collection efficiency, depth of focus and enhancement of the image quality.