Optical coherence tomography: Technology and applications

From touch screens and telecommunications networks, to driving, reading, and enjoying theater, light-based optical information features in much of how we interact with the world. As health care needs advance, optical technologies are becoming increasingly popular, both as complementary and standalone modalities. Since its inception nearly three decades ago, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has emerged as a niche competitor to more established techniques for imaging tissue microstructure and, more recently, small animals. Outside of academic laboratories, its relatively low cost and high resolution, realtime, in vivo imaging capabilities have found widespread use in ophthalmic clinics for assisting in diagnosing retinal pathologies. The diagnostic power of OCT for several clinical applications (e.g., cardiology, gastroenterology, dermatology) contributes to its nearly $1B market potential and rampant commercialization. Meanwhile, limitations in existing systems motivate researchers to push the limits of the technology.