Ce^3+:YAG double-clad crystal-fiber-based optical coherence tomography on fish cornea

Abstract

A Ce(3+):YAG double-clad crystal fiber (DCF) visible emission was used as the light source for optical coherence tomography (OCT). The visible emission was produced from a 10 microm core DCF pumped by a diode laser. The broadband emission and short central wavelength of this light source enabled the realization of 1.5 microm axial resolution in air. The relatively clean spectrum reduced the side lobe of its point-spread function, and therefore facilitated the generation of a high-quality image with less crosstalk between adjacent image pixels. As a demonstration, an Aplocheilus lineatus goldfish was experimented on to map out the stroma of its cornea. This visible-light-based OCT can be utilized for industrial inspection as well as ocular applications.

Full-depth epidermis tomography using a Mirau-based full-field optical coherence tomography

“…Following the calculation of literature [7,9], the detection sensitivity is about 81 dB. Referring to the literature [20], the noise floor of this system is substantially suppressed by stronger confocal gate (NA: 0.8) effect, and then the effect of ghost image is further leveled down. The home-designed silicone-oil-immersion Mirau objective provides experimental resolutions of R a = 0.91 μm (see Fig.…”

“…The scan speed of en face images is 4.3 frame/sec. Compared with the single-point scanning via Ce 3+ :YAG double-clad crystal fiber light source [20,21], this platform provides high frame speed and low incident power for 3-D reconstruction of skin tissue.…”

“…This light source is eminently suitable for FF-OCT because it is unnecessary to use infrared-cut filter to prevent from thermal problem on sample [24]. With a Gaussian-like broadband spectrum [20,21] the ghost image effect coming from sideband noise is suppressed. Circularly polarized incident light was adopted because it can provide deeper penetration [25]; meanwhile, weak signal light can be strongly enhanced by the reference one.…”

Cell death detection by quantitative three-dimensional single-cell tomography

“…The design and operating principle of the UR-OCT system was similar to our previous report [35]. However, the light source was improved, and a parallel light system setup was adopted to achieve better transverse resolution.…”

Ultrahigh-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography with LED-Phosphor-Based Broadband Light Source

“…3,11) However, the fabrication process of crystal fibers is quite complex, and the scanning speeds of TD-OCT systems are slower than of the FD-OCT system.…”