Time-Domain Full-Field Confocal Optical Coherence Tomography with Digital Scanning

Abstract

Full-field optical coherence tomography (FF-OCT) is a fast, en face interferometric technique that allows imaging inside a scattering tissue with high spatial resolution. However, camera-based detection, which lacks confocal gating, results in a suboptimal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). To address this, we implemented a time-domain FF-OCT system that uses a digital micromirror device (DMD). The DMD allows us to scan multiple illumination spots across the sample and simultaneously realize confocal detection with multiple pinholes. Confocal imaging can also be demonstrated with line illumination and detection. Using a USAF target mounted behind a scattering layer, we demonstrate an order-of-magnitude improvement in SNR.

Keywords

• optical coherence tomography
• digital micromirror device
• confocal