OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY (OCT) FOR MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS AND MATERIAL CHARACTERIZATION

Abstract

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has emerged as a powerful and versatile imaging technique with widespread applications in both medical diagnostics and material characterization. This paper provides an overview of OCT, its principles, and its myriad uses in these two domains. In the realm of medical diagnostics, OCT offers high-resolution, non-invasive imaging of biological tissues, enabling the visualization of subsurface structures with micrometer-scale precision. It has been extensively employed in ophthalmology for retinal imaging, where it aids in the early detection and monitoring of conditions like macular degeneration and glaucoma. Moreover, OCT finds applications in cardiology, dermatology, and endoscopy, contributing to the diagnosis and management of various medical conditions. Beyond medicine, OCT is a valuable tool for material characterization. It provides insights into the internal structure and properties of diverse materials, from pharmaceutical tablets to layered composites. The non-destructive nature of OCT, coupled with its ability to resolve fine details, makes it indispensable for quality control, product development, and research in materials science and engineering. This paper delves into the fundamental principles of OCT, including low-coherence interferometry and signal processing techniques. It also explores the latest advancements, such as swept-source OCT and Fourier-domain OCT, which have enhanced imaging speed and resolution. Furthermore, the potential challenges and limitations in both medical and material applications are discussed.