Introduction to OCT

OCT is analogous to ultrasound imaging which relies on measuring the time-of-flight of reflected echoes.  However, because the speed to light is orders of magnitude faster than sound, OCT uses low coherence interferometry rather than reflection time measurement to measure the light reflection positions thus to obtain cross sectional images of the sample.

Objectives

•         Build up a time domain OCT system and a Fourier domain OCT system

•         Use innovative MEMS technology to manufacture miniature endoscopic and intravascular probes

•         Enable noninvasive or minimally invasive, real-time, 3-D, in vivo OCT imaging

Applications:

•          Endoscopic subsurface imaging of tissues

•          Detection of early stage cancer

•          Guidance of surgery