Perspectives of optical scanning in OCT

Abstract

We present an overview of our contributions and directions of research in the domain of optical scanners, with regard to their perspectives of use in optical coherence tomography (OCT). The performances, advantages and drawbacks of the different types of scanning systems are summarized. Both 1-D and 2-D scanners for various applications in OCT, from swept source filters to flying the beam over the target are considered. We briefly present our developments of polygon mirror (PM) scanners. We study galvoscanners (GS) in order to increase their duty cycle in general and for high speed scanners in particular. The limitations in reaching such goals are discussed. Based on these advancements, 2-D scanners, i.e. the double GS and the PM+GS solutions are approached with regard to their optimum driving functions. The 2-D Risley prism scanner is also considered, as the best choice when compactness is of prime importance. We finally briefly discuss the tendency towards miniaturization and recent developments in MEMS scanners. A trade-off is thus accomplished between recent developments and requirements of scanning devices for OCT in order to achieve the most appropriate results for a certain application. The current and future tendencies in the field are discussed