Abstract

This article studies the combination of the time-domain OCT modality with a dynamically–focusing micro– lens–system. Combining the tunable lens with a fix-focal lens in the sample arm of the OCT setup shows a considerable improvement on the OCT image quality, mainly, the lateral resolution and the signal-to-noise ratio. We present an experimental method and the related first measurements of the lateral resolution of the OCT system using the tunable lens system. Based on this method, the OCT system employing the tunable multi-lens system provides an invariant lateral resolution of 8 μm along ~5 mm scan depth. A miniaturized version of the tunable two-lens system utilizes an endoscopic OCT wit a dynamically-focusing functionality. The high lateral resolution endoscopic imaging based on the miniaturized tunable micro-system promises a significant utility in advanced biomedical imaging.

© 2009 OSA/SPIE