High Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract

Imaging cellular and extracellular structures and processes in situ and in vivo is highly desired for the understanding and diagnosis of human diseases. High resolution optical coherence tomography (HR-OCT) is particularly suitable for this task because it can provide real-Time, 3-D images of a large tissue volume at subcellular resolution. Over the past two decades, tremendous technical advances have been made to tackle the fundamental and practical limitations of HR-OCT for applications in various clinical fields. Meanwhile, novel scientific and clinical applications of HR-OCT have also been proposed and validated. This review aims to provide an update on the progress of technology development, with a focus on axial focus extension, aberration correction, and fiber-optic probe development. This review also aims to summarize the newly established capabilities of HR-OCT in fundamental and clinical research, in an effort to promote multidisciplinary research using this powerful imaging tool.