What is OCT?
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an optical signal acquisition and processing method. It captures micrometer-resolution, three-dimensional images from within optical scattering media (e.g., biological tissue). Optical coherence tomography is an interferometric technique, typically employing near-infrared light. The use of relatively long wavelength light allows it to penetrate into the scattering medium. Confocal microscopy, another similar technique, typically penetrates less deeply into the sample.
Depending on the properties of the light source, OCT has achieved sub-micrometer resolution (with very wide-spectrum sources emitting over a ~100 nm wavelength range)
Commercially available optical coherence tomography systems are employed in diverse applications, including art conservation and diagnostic medicine, notably in ophthalmology where it can be used to obtain detailed images from within the retina. Recently it has also begun to be used in interventional cardiology to help diagnose coronary artery disease. [Wikipedia]
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OCT image of a finger tip recorded using a SuperK supercontinuum laser.
Image courtesy of Professor Ruikang Wang
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Performance of an OCT system using a SuperK supercontinuum laser with a SuperK GAUSS filter, a superluminescent diode (SLD) and a femtosecond Ti:Sapphire laser, respectively. The SuperK GAUSS combination easily outperforms the SLD solutions and gives comparable performance to the more expensive and bulky Ti:Sapphire setup.
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How can I use a SuperK supercontinuum laser source for OCT?
The wide spectral bandwidth of the SuperK EXTREME improves the axial resolution in Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and in combination with the SuperK GAUSS filter, it provides a smooth spectrum, dramatically reducing the number of image artifacts resulting in images with both resolution and detail.
The SuperK GAUSS is a dual-output filter that transforms the wide spectral bandwidth of the SuperK EXTREME supercontinuum lasers and provides a Gaussian-like spectrum. For OCT, the SuperK GAUSS provides two high power spectral outputs centered at 800nm and 1300nm, with bandwidths of up to 200nm, through single mode fiber using the SuperK Fiber Delivery system.
The two Gaussian shaped spectra can be used simultaneously but independent from each other due to its unique design. The SuperK GAUSS even allows the tuning of the center wavelength of each band over 200nm. Connecting the GAUSS to the SuperK EXTREME is very simple and shares the same Plug’n’Play platform common to all SuperK accessories.
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How others have used supercontinuum laser sources for OCT
Papers describing OCT using the SuperK supercontinuum source:
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"SuperK systems outperform sources we traditionally used for our high res OCT, making it ideal for commercial applications."
Dr. Martin Wurm, RECENDT Research Center for Non Destructive Testing GmbH, Linz Austria
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What do I need?
The road to super high resolution OCT is both short and affordable. The three things you need are:
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If you are unsure of which SuperK laser to get or have any other questions, don't worry. Our sales team is very experienced and has helped many customers needing a solution for OCT.
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Disclaimer concerning applications of the NKTP Products. NKT Photonics does not design, manufacture, market or service medical devices – nor does any part of the NKT Photonics management system state compliance with medical device requirements. Any use of NKT Photonics products for medical device purposes is not promoted or supported by NKT Photonics as none of the NKTP products are approved for - nor compliant with the statutory and regulatory requirements that applies for medical devices. If NKT Photonics products are used for medical device purposes any activities to secure compliance with applicable requirements incl. approvals from authorities are therefore the responsibility of the customer.
Our SuperK EXTREME supercontinuum laser sources
   
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