25 years of OCT

Since its inception more than 25 years ago, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become a major medical imaging technology and is particularly well established in ophthalmology.

In the intervening years, research activity into the underlying devices,subsystems, methods, and techniques of OCT has continued to grow.

OCT remains true to the spirit of the broader field of biophotonics itself, with a focus on practical engineering to tackle practical challenges. Despite the maturity of research in some areas, others remain relatively unexplored, and technical advances are opening new doors.

To celebrate the 25-year milestone of this technology, the SPIE Journal of Biomedical Optics recently published a special section focusing on OCT applications in medicine and biology.

The papers, now available in the SPIE Digital Library, reinforce the perspective that OCT as a research topic is vibrant and strong, with many new opportunities in the wings waiting for clinical and commercial primetime.

Related content from the SPIE Newsroom and SPIE Professional magazine:

Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography of the human brain connectome
High-resolution ex vivo imaging of the brain is achieved with a novel technique that will enable studies of normal brain structure and the effects of neurological disorders.

Multifunctional intravascular optical coherence tomography for imaging inside arteries
A novel spectroscopic method adds functionality for high-spatial-resolution and high-accuracy detection of lipid-rich plaques

Computational adaptive optics for high-throughput volumetric optical coherence microscopy
Image formation based on computation and aberrated optical design provides a promising approach for volumetric imaging studies of biological dynamics at cellular and sub-cellular resolution.

Multiple-reference optical coherence tomography for smartphone applications
A novel, compact optical sensing and imaging platform can be used for affordable next-generation, smartphone-based personal and point-of-care applications.

Video: OCT applications expand as technology matures
The eyes, the heart and lungs, the skin, and even nonmedical applications are the domain of optical coherence tomography.

Optical coherence tomography and spectral imaging of a wall painting
Combining optical techniques offers new insights on the composition of paints and layer structure of artwork. The Tower of London provides a case study.

Jim Fujimoto video: Biophotonics and optical coherence tomography
Jim Fujimoto works with students and patients to expand the clinical applications of biomedical optics.

Doppler optical coherence tomography for imaging of brain hemodynamics
Advanced microscopic techniques enable depth-resolved imaging of changes in blood flow during brain activation.

Optical coherence tomography holds promise for conserving art
OCT has migrated successfully from medical imaging to materials science, where it is used online to monitor varnish removal from paintings.

Optical Coherence Tomography
State of the Industry report on OCT markets.

Phase-based OCT sheds light on glaucoma
SPIE R&D Highlights: Editor's Recommendation.

OCT used to assess burn scars
Researchers from the Optical + Biomedical Engineering Laboratory at the University of Western Australia are developing a better way to help doctors understand burn scars using OCT.