Multimode fiber as a tool to reduce cross talk in Fourier-domain full-field optical coherence tomography.

Fourier-domain full-field optical coherence tomography (FD-FF-OCT) is an emerging tool for high-speed eye imaging. However, cross-talk formation in images limits the imaging depth. To this end, we have recently shown that reducing spatial coherence with a fast deformable membrane can suppress the noise but over a limited axial range and with substantial data processing. Here, we demonstrate that a multimode fiber with carefully chosen parameters enables cross-talk-free imaging over a long axial range and without significant artifacts. We also show that it can be used to image the human retina and choroid in vivo with exceptional contrast.

Spatio-temporal optical coherence tomography provides full thickness imaging of the chorioretinal complex.

Despite the rapid development of optical imaging methods, high-resolution in vivo imaging with penetration into deeper tissue layers is still a major challenge. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been used successfully for non-invasive human retinal volumetric imaging in vivo, advancing the detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of various retinal diseases. However, there are important limitations of volumetric OCT imaging, especially coherent noise and the limited axial range over which high resolution images can be acquired. The limited range prevents simultaneous measurement of the retina and choroid with adequate lateral resolution. In this article, we address these limitations with a technique that we term spatio-temporal optical coherence tomography (STOC-T), which uses light with controlled spatial and temporal coherence and advanced signal processing methods. STOC-T enabled the acquisition of high-contrast and high-resolution coronal projection images of the retina and choroid at arbitrary depths.