Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography for rapid, high-resolution imaging
This technology is a swept-source optical coherence tomography system with a non-visible light source and visible-light photodetection for high-performance imaging.
Unmet Need: High-sensitivity optical coherence tomography imaging system
Swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems offer high image acquisition rate. However, decreased exposure time limits the signal-to-noise ratio leading to lower image quality. The use of near-infrared and/or non-visible light is desired in OCT because it scatters less than visible light, but current near-infrared photodetectors are less sensitive than those for visible light.
The Technology: Swept-source optical coherence tomography with visible-light photodetection for high-performance imaging
This technology is a swept-source OCT system that combines the advantages of non-visible and visible light, making it possible to image with the penetrance and cleaner signals of non-visible light, while using high-performance visible-light photodetectors. Detection in the visible-light range is made possible by nonlinear optics processing, enabling a more sensitive high-speed optical coherence tomography system for real-time volumetric imaging with high signal-to-noise ratio. As such, this technology may enable high-resolution imaging of tissues and for both clinical and research settings.
Applications:
- OCT imaging of translucent and opaque materials
- High-speed, high-sensitivity imaging of in vivo and dynamic biological processes
- Clinical diagnostic imaging
- Surgical histopathology, for pre-, intra-, and post-operative evaluation of tissue
Advantages:
- Combines high acquisition rates with high sensitivity
- Can be used in any OCT imaging application
- Based on existing, proven OCT technologies
Lead Inventor:
Patent Information:
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU14281
Licensing Contact: Devin Jones