Research
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an emerging medical imaging and diagnostic technology developed by our research group and collaborators in 1991. OCT can perform cross sectional and three dimensional, micron scale imaging of tissue structure. It is analogous to ultrasound, measuring the intensity of backreflected or backscattered infrared light, rather than acoustical waves.
OCT is attractive for biomedical research and clinical imaging for several reasons. Imaging can be performed in real time, allowing tissue microstructure to be visualized without the need to excise and process specimens as in conventional biopsy and histopathology. Image resolutions are 1 to 15 microns, enabling visualization of tissue architectural morphology. OCT can be performed with a wide range of instruments including ophthalmoscopes, small endoscopes, catheters, probes, needles, or other surgical instruments.
OCT has had a dramatic impact in ophthalmology, where it has become a standard diagnostic instrument for retinal disease and glaucoma. In addition, OCT is an emerging technology for intravascular imaging, where it can identify unstable plaques that are prone to rupture, producing myocardial infarction. OCT research combines multiple technologies including photonics, high speed electronics and signal processing, imaging processing, medical device development and biomedical engineering.
Our group is investigating medical/clinical imaging application of nonlinear microscopy, especially in the field of histopathology, through multiple observational/interventional clinical studies.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an emerging imaging modality which can generate high resolution, cross-sectional and three dimensional images of microstructure in biological systems.
OCT has become a standard diagnostic tool in ophthalmology, enabling more sensitive diagnosis of disease, elucidating disease pathogenesis, progression, and response to treatment.
Our group has developed an endoscopic imaging system capable of acquiring OCT data at unprecedented speeds and at three-dimensional resolutions, enabling the detection of small structures.
