Ernest W. Chang

Long-wavelength optical coherence tomography at 1.7 µm for enhanced imaging depth

Multiple scattering in a sample presents a significant limitation to achieve meaningful structural information at deeper penetration depths in optical coherence tomography (OCT). Previous studies suggest that the spectral region around 1.7 microm may exhibit reduced scattering coefficients in biological tissues compared to the widely used wavelengths around 1.3 mum. To investigate this long-wavelength region, we developed a wavelength-swept laser at 1.7 microm wavelength and conducted OCT or optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) for the first time in this spectral range. The constructed laser is capable of providing a wide tuning range from 1.59 to 1.75 microm over 160 nm. When the laser was operated with a reduced tuning range over 95 nm at a repetition rate of 10.9 kHz and an average output power of 12.3 mW, the OFDI imaging system exhibited a sensitivity of about 100 dB and axial and lateral resolution of 24 mum and 14 mum, respectively. We imaged several phantom and biological samples using 1.3 mum and 1.7 microm OFDI systems and found that the depth-dependent signal decay rate is substantially lower at 1.7 microm wavelength in most, if not all samples. Our results suggest that this imaging window may offer an advantage over shorter wavelengths by increasing the penetration depths as well as enhancing image contrast at deeper penetration depths where otherwise multiple scattered photons dominate over ballistic photons.

Dynamic Imaging of Vocal Fold Oscillation With Four-Dimensional Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can provide high‐resolution (∼10–15 μm/pixel) images of vocal fold microanatomy, as demonstrated previously. We explored physiologically triggered Fourier‐domain OCT for imaging vocal folds during phonation. The goal is to visualize dynamic histological cross sections and four‐dimensional data sets where multiple planes are displayed in synchronized motion. If feasible, this approach could be a useful research tool and spur development of new clinical instrumentation.

Perspectives of mid-infrared optical coherence tomography for inspection and micrometrology of industrial ceramics

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a promising tool for detecting micro channels, metal prints, defects and delaminations embedded in alumina and zirconia ceramic layers at hundreds of micrometers beneath surfaces. The effect of surface roughness and scattering of probing radiation within sample on OCT inspection is analyzed from the experimental and simulated OCT images of the ceramic samples with varying surface roughnesses and operating wavelengths. By Monte Carlo simulations of the OCT images in the mid-IR the optimal operating wavelength is found to be 4 µm for the alumina samples and 2 µm for the zirconia samples for achieving sufficient probing depth of about 1 mm. The effects of rough surfaces and dispersion on the detection of the embedded boundaries are discussed. Two types of image artefacts are found in OCT images due to multiple reflections between neighboring boundaries and inhomogeneity of refractive index.

Subnanometer optical coherence tomographic vibrography

The ability to quantify and visualize submicrometer-scale oscillatory motions of objects in three dimensions has a wide range of application in acoustics, materials sciences, and medical imaging. Here we demonstrate that volumetric snapshots of rapid periodic motion can be captured using optical coherence tomography (OCT) with subnanometer-scale motion sensitivity and microsecond-scale temporal resolution. This technique, termed OCT vibrography, was applied to generate time-resolved volumetric vibrographs of a miniature drum driven acoustically at several kilohertz.

Numerical model of optical coherence tomographic vibrography imaging to estimate corneal biomechanical properties.

Most techniques measuring corneal biomechanics in vivo are biased by side factors. We demonstrate the ability of optical coherence tomographic (OCT) vibrography to determine corneal material parameters, while reducing current prevalent restrictions of other techniques (such as intraocular pressure (IOP) and thickness dependency). Modal analysis was performed in a finite-element (FE) model to study the oscillation response in isolated thin corneal flaps/eye globes and to analyse the dependency of the frequency response function on: corneal elasticity, viscoelasticity, geometry (thickness and curvature), IOP and density. The model was verified experimentally in flaps from three bovine corneas and in two enucleated porcine eyes using sound excitation (100–110 dB) together with a phase-sensitive OCT to measure the frequency response function (range 50–510 Hz). Simulations showed that corneal vibration in flaps is sensitive to both, geometrical and biomechanical parameters, whereas in whole globes it is primarily sensitive to corneal biomechanical parameters only. Calculations based on the natural frequency shift revealed that flaps of the posterior cornea were 0.8 times less stiff than flaps from the anterior cornea and cross-linked corneas were 1.6 times stiffer than virgin corneas. Sensitivity analysis showed that natural vibration frequencies of whole globes were nearly independent from corneal thickness and IOP within the physiological range. OCT vibrography is a promising non-invasive technique to measure corneal elasticity without biases from corneal thickness and IOP.

Observation of sound-induced corneal vibrational modes by optical coherence tomography.

The mechanical stability of the cornea is critical for maintaining its normal shape and refractive function. Here, we report an observation of the mechanical resonance modes of the cornea excited by sound waves and detected by using phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography. The cornea in bovine eye globes exhibited three resonance modes in a frequency range of 50-400 Hz. The vibration amplitude of the fundamental mode at 80-120 Hz was ~8 µm at a sound pressure level of 100 dB (2 Pa). Vibrography allows the visualization of the radially symmetric profiles of the resonance modes. A dynamic finite-element analysis supports our observation.

Triggered optical coherence tomography for capturing rapid periodic motion

Quantitative cross-sectional imaging of vocal folds during phonation is potentially useful for diagnosis and treatments of laryngeal disorders. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a powerful technique, but its relatively low frame rates makes it challenging to visualize rapidly vibrating tissues. Here, we demonstrate a novel method based on triggered laser scanning to capture 4-dimensional (4D) images of samples in motu at audio frequencies over 100 Hz. As proof-of-concept experiments, we applied this technique to imaging the oscillations of biopolymer gels on acoustic vibrators and aerodynamically driven vibrations of the vocal fold in an ex vivo calf larynx model. Our results suggest that triggered 4D OCT may be useful in understanding and assessing the function of vocal folds and developing novel treatments in research and clinical settings.

Combined reflectance confocal microscopy-optical coherence tomography for delineation of basal cell carcinoma margins: an ex vivo study

Abstract. We present a combined reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) approach, integrated within a single optical layout, for diagnosis of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and delineation of margins. While RCM imaging detects BCC presence (diagnoses) and its lateral spreading (margins) with measured resolution of ∼1  μm, OCT imaging delineates BCC depth spreading (margins) with resolution of ∼7  μm. When delineating margins in 20 specimens of superficial and nodular BCCs, depth could be reliably determined down to ∼600  μm, and agreement with histology was within about ±50  μm.

Investigation of middle ear anatomy and function with combined video otoscopy-phase sensitive OCT

We report the development of a novel otoscopy probe for assessing middle ear anatomy and function. Video imaging and phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography are combined within the same optical path. A sound stimuli channel is incorporated as well to study middle ear function. Thus, besides visualizing the morphology of the middle ear, the vibration amplitude and frequency of the eardrum and ossicles are retrieved as well. Preliminary testing on cadaveric human temporal bone models has demonstrated the capability of this instrument for retrieving middle ear anatomy with micron scale resolution, as well as the vibration of the tympanic membrane and ossicles with sub-nm resolution.

Hand scanning optical coherence tomography imaging using encoder feedback

We present a new method for generating micron-scale OCT images of interstitial tissue with a hand scanning probe and a linear optical encoder that senses probe movement relative to a fixed reference point, i.e., tissue surface. Based on this approach, we demonstrate high resolution optical imaging of biological tissues through a very long biopsy needle. Minor artifacts caused by tissue noncompliance are corrected using a software algorithm which detects the simple repetition of the adjacent A-scans. This hand-scanning OCT imaging approach offers the physician the freedom to access imaging sites of interest repeatedly.