OCT is a radar-like imaging method that uses light. It produces images reminiscent of MRIs, but with much higher resolution. Here are some images made with Axsun swept lasers. The largest application is in ophthalmology, but it is also used in cardiology to image the insides of arteries to see stents and plaques. There are also a number of industrial applications.
The biggest application of OCT is in retinal imaging. The laser beam can penetrate several millimeters into the tissue to make high-resolution images of the retinal structures including the photoreceptor layer, neural layers, and blood vessels.
The front of the eye, called the anterior segment, can also be imaged by OCT.
OCT images of coronary arteries in various disease states. The small circle within the lumen (the area where blood flows) is the catheter that guides a rotating optical fiber to deliver the OCT laser light.
A diseased artery that had been stented and then overgrown by further plaque buildup. The metallic stent struts reflect brightly and block the light behind them.
OCT scan of a housefly reconstructed into a 3D image.
OCT image of a small aquarium fish. The MRI-like image at the bottom shows the brain, spine, stomach, intestines, and swim bladder.
OCT depth ranging is important for industrial applications.
