Based on the fact that spectral domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT) data can be treated as digital holography (DH) data acquired pointwise, we develop a spectral refocusing algorithm and show its ability to shift the focal region of OCT images obtained from SD OCT data acquired with a tightly focused scanning beam. Although refocusing itself depends on the refractive index of the studied media, we propose a procedure capable of restoring images with resolution equal to the resolution in the focal plane in the whole volume even in case of unknown refractive index of the media. As the proposed refocusing method operates with phases of the 3D Fourier spectrum of the SD OCT signal, it is very sensitive to the object motion during data acquisition. Thus, we also propose phase equalization preprocessing, which allows compensating the influence of such motions.
A method of OCT imaging with a resolution throughout the investigated volume equal to the resolution in the best-focused region is described. It is based on summation of three-dimensional scattered field distributions at the wavelengths determined by OCT source spectral decomposition. A method of finding parameters needed for algorithmic realization of the summation is also proposed. The proposed approaches are tested on several model media, including biological ones.
A finite impulse response filter, which shifts the focal plane in optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, is proposed. Since several OCT images with the focal plane in various positions can be fused into one image with increased lateral resolution, such a filter facilitates the creation of an OCT system with numerically increased lateral resolution, operating in real-time, i.e. showing one OCT B-scan with increased lateral resolution while collecting data for the next B-scan. Since the proposed real-time resolution enhancement method is phase-sensitive, the method for estimating and compensating phase shifts between consecutive B-scans during data acquisition is also discussed.
The problem of restoration Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images, acquired with tightly focused probing beam, in out-of-focus region for improving lateral resolution of the OCT has been considered. Phase stability issue has been discussed and phase equalization algorithm has been proposed. After phase equalization, the algorithm of digital refocusing, based on some methods from the DH, have been applied to the simulated as well as to experimental OCT data, acquired with tightly focused scanning beam to restore micrometer lateral resolution in the whole investigated volume.
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