Development of Visible-Light OCT:A Review(Invited)
Significance Optical coherence tomography(OCT)technology was proposed in 1991.Based on the principle of low-coherence light interference,OCT features high resolution and a high signal-to-noise ratio;it is also non-invasive,non-destructive,and capable of three-dimensional imaging.It enables the imaging of microstructures within biological tissues,with significant application potential in fields such as biology,medicine,and materials.Consequently,it stands as one of the focal points in modern optical imaging research.The resolution plays a crucial role in the assessment of OCT because it directly impacts the image quality,thereby influencing the accuracy of disease diagnosis and condition assessment by medical professionals.Therefore,the pursuit of high resolution has been one of the primary directions in the development of OCT technology.Vis-OCT,which utilizes visible light with shorter wavelengths for imaging,offers higher lateral and axial resolution,enabling a finer depiction of microstructures within biological tissues.In comparison to NIR-OCT,which is commonly used in hospitals,Vis-OCT not only provides higher image resolution but also yields images with higher contrast,thereby revealing more information about biological tissues.The high resolution and contrast of Vis-OCT make it promising for widespread applications in fields such as ophthalmology and dermatology.By providing doctors with more detailed and precise image information,it facilitates more accurate observations and diagnoses of pathological tissues.Additionally,Vis-OCT can quantify sO2 through spectral analysis,providing a powerful tool for assessing retinal blood circulation and oxygen metabolism.Lastly,because the wavelength of visible light falls within the sensing spectrum of the retina,there may be a more direct relationship between the structure and function of the retina that can be observed by Vis-OCT,making these advantages worthy of further research.In practical applications,researchers have already conducted studies using Vis-OCT for various diseases.They have validated its ability to diagnose diseases such as glaucoma,macular lesions,and diabetic retinopathy and have identified some early biomarkers of diseases.This facilitates early intervention and treatment by medical professionals,thus providing better treatment outcomes and vision protection for patients.This paper provides an overview of Vis-OCT,introducing its technical characteristics and current applications and discussing future development trends.This will allow readers to better understand its advantages in medical imaging and recognize its value and significance in medical practice.Progress This paper reviews the progress of Vis-OCT research in the areas of system structure optimization,functional imaging research,animal imaging research,and clinical applications.In terms of system structure and functional imaging research,the article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of spatial coupling and couplers,along with related work.Additionally,in spectral analyzer optimization,the introduction of prisms achieves K-domain linearization,reducing errors in data processing,and the use of dual spectrometers improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the system.Furthermore,modulating the reference light path doubles the total imaging depth range and corrects the retinal curvature of wide-field imaging.This article also introduces the principles of DOCT,OCTA,and sO2 detection.Regarding mouse retinal imaging,this article describes the use of Vis-OCT for sO2 detection in mouse retinas and the quantification of the mouse retinal oxygen metabolism rate.Additionally,this paper shows how researchers use Vis-OCT to observe the effects of prematurity on mouse retinal lesions,dexamethasone-induced high intraocular pressure,damage to RGC axon bundles,optic nerve transection,and aging on mouse retinas.In terms of clinical applications,the article reviews research related to the use of Vis-OCT for retinal diseases such as glaucoma,retinal occlusive disease,diabetic retinopathy,and sickle cell retinopathy.At the same time,the article compares Vis-OCT with NIR-OCT in human retinal imaging,demonstrating the advantages and disadvantages of Vis-OCT.Conclusions and Prospects Vis-OCT technology can achieve submicron-level retinal imaging resolution,which significantly improves image quality.Moreover,it quantifies sO2 through spectral analysis and,combined with blood flow measurements,provides a new means of evaluating retinal circulation and oxygen metabolism.The match between visible light and the retinal sensing spectrum allows Vis-OCT to more directly reflect the relationship between the retinal structure and function.However,Vis-OCT also has some limitations.Its comfort level is relatively low,which limits its clinical application.Additionally,noise from super-continuum spectral sources reduces its signal-to-noise ratio.Furthermore,Vis-OCT has a limited imaging depth,which makes it challenging to observe deep tissues.Nevertheless,the future of Vis-OCT is promising.The imaging speed and quality can be improved by optimizing the system structures and image algorithms,which will provide ophthalmologists with more accurate diagnostic criteria.After improving the technology and expanding the applications,Vis-OCT is expected to play a significant role in screening and diagnosing retinal diseases as well as evaluating their treatment outcomes.In conclusion,Vis-OCT exhibits significant value in retinal disease research and clinical practice because of its unique advantages.The ongoing technological advancements should lead to further innovations and breakthroughs in ophthalmology.
optical coherence tomographyvisible-lightimaging systemretinal imagingblood oxygen saturation test
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