Optical Coherence Tomography: Advanced Modeling

14.1 Introduction

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has developed rapidly since its potential for applications in clinical medicine was first demonstrated in 1991 [1]. OCT performs high-resolution, cross-sectional tomographic imaging of the internal microstructure in materials and biologic systems by measuring backscattered or backreflected light.

Mathematical models [2-9] have been developed to promote understanding of the OCT imaging process and thereby enable development of better imaging instrumentation and data processing algorithms. One of the most important issues in the modeling of OCT systems is the role of the multiple scattered photons, an issue, which only recently has become fully understood [10]. Hence, this model, capable of describing both the single and multiple scattering regimes simultaneously in heterogeneous media, is essential in order to completely describe the behavior of OCT systems.

Experimental validation