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

Abstract

Background: Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging modality that enables high-resolution, cross-sectional visualization of internal structures in biological tissues and engineered materials. Initially developed for ophthalmology, OCT has expanded into diverse domains, including cardiology, oncology, dermatology, and industrial material analysis.

Objective: This study investigates the dual role of OCT in medical diagnostics and material characterization, evaluating its imaging performance, versatility, and potential for integration into advanced diagnostic and inspection workflows.

Methods: A spectral-domain OCT system equipped with a broadband near-infrared source was used to scan biological tissue models and multilayered materials. Quantitative metrics, including axial resolution, penetration depth, and signal-to-noise ratio, were assessed. Imaging results were processed using Fourier-domain reconstruction and dispersion compensation algorithms. Comparative validation was conducted against histological sectioning for biological samples and confocal microscopy for materials.

Results: OCT successfully visualized microstructural details of retinal layers, oral mucosa, and skin tissue with axial resolutions under 10 μm, enabling precise identification of pathological features. In material characterization, OCT provided accurate layer thickness measurements and defect detection in polymer composites, laminates, and thin-film coatings. The results demonstrate OCT’s adaptability across biomedical and industrial domains.

Conclusion: OCT’s capability for rapid, non-contact, and high-resolution imaging makes it a powerful cross-disciplinary tool. Its application in both medical diagnostics and material analysis can be further enhanced through integration with artificial intelligence, multimodal imaging, and ultrahigh-resolution systems.