Optical Coherence Tomography - Selected Applications

Selected Applications

Optical coherence tomography is an established medical imaging technique. It is widely used, for example, to obtain high-resolution images of the the anterior segment of the eye and the retina, which can, for example, provide a straightforward method of assessing axonal integrity in multiple sclerosis, as well as macular degeneration. Research indicates that OCT may be a reliable tool for monitoring the progression of glaucoma. Researchers also seek to develop a method that uses frequency domain OCT to image coronary arteries in order to detect vulnerable lipid-rich plaques.

Optical coherence tomography is also applicable and increasingly used in industrial applications, such as Non Destructive Testing(NDT), material thickness measurements, and in particular thin silicon wafers, and compound semiconductor wafers thickness measurements,, surface roughness characterization, surface and cross-section imaging,, and volume loss measurements. OCT systems with feedback can be used to control manufacturing processes. With high speed data acquisition, and sub-micron resolution, OCT is adaptable to perform both inline and off-line. Fiber-based OCT systems are particularly adaptable to industrial environments. These can access and scan interiors of hard-to-reach spaces, and are able to operate in hostile environments - whether radioactive, cryogenic or very hot.