ABSTRACT
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a fundamentally new type of optical imaging modality. OCT performs high-resolution cross-sectional tomographic imaging of the internal microstructure in materials and biological systems by measuring the echo time delay and magnitude of backscattered light (Huang et al., 1991a). Image resolutions of 115 µm can be achieved, one to two orders of magnitude higher than conventional ultrasound. Imaging can be performed in situ and in real time. The unique features of this technology enable a broad range of research and clinical applications. OCT imaging integrates many technologies, including ultrafast optics, interferometry, fiber optics, and Fourier transform spectrometry. This chapter provides an overview of OCT technology, its background, and its applications.
