Quantum Dot Superluminescent Diodes for Optical Coherence Tomography: Skin Imaging

We present a high-power (18 mW continuous wave exiting a single-mode fiber and 35 mW exiting the facet), broadband (85 nm full-width at half-maximum) quantum dot-based superluminescent diode, and apply it to a time-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) setup. First, we test its performance with increasing optical feedback. Then we demonstrate its imaging properties on tissue-engineered (TE) skin and
in vivo
skin. OCT allows the tracking of epidermal development in TE skin, while the higher power source allows better sensitivity and depth penetration for imaging of
in vivo
skin layers.