Optical coherence tomography

A review is presented of different scanning, acquisition and processing techniques used to obtain depth-resolved information in optical-coherence tomography (OCT). The principles and performances of different OCT techniques are discussed and images from different types of tissue are presented. Special attention is devoted to the progress in using the time-domain flying spot OCT technique and combination of the en face OCT imaging with confocal microscopy. Although OCT is based on white light interferometry, which is a well established and an old technology, the quest for higher resolution and faster acquisition of in vivo images has ensured OCT a rapid evolution in the last decade. Highly adventurous avenues to expand the OCT capabilities and trends are presented at the end of the review. © 2005 The British Institute of Radiology.