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Optical coherence tomography
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technology that uses light to visualize internal structures beneath the surface of biological tissues and industrial materials. OCT provides high-resolution, real-time images without damaging or altering the sample, making it an ideal tool for both medical and industrial applications.
With its combination of speed, precision, and depth-resolved imaging, OCT is widely used for biomedical imaging, ophthalmology, industrial inspection, and non-destructive testing. The technology enables researchers, clinicians, and engineers to examine internal features that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to observe.
Our video shows how Hamamatsu’s OCT technologies use high-speed image sensors and MEMS mirror technology to support non-destructive cross-sectional imaging.
In applications such as ophthalmology and industrial inspection, this approach enables detailed internal imaging of samples while maintaining high resolution, fast acquisition speeds, and compact system design. The video also highlights Hamamatsu’s broad portfolio of OCT components, including image sensors, balanced detectors, light sources, spectrometers, and integrated modules for both swept-source and spectral-domain OCT systems.
OCT (optical coherence tomography) update at Photonics West
Principle and method
OCT is a technology that uses the coherence of light to measure distance in the direction that light travels. Near-infrared light is shone on the sample, and the light scattered and reflected back by the sample is combined with reference light passing through a fixed light path inside the OCT device. By detecting the light interference signal generated in this manner, a one-dimensional signal in the depth direction is obtained. It is possible to obtain tomographic images by continuously scanning the position of light incidence on the sample.
SD-OCT (spectral domain-OCT) method
Light from a broadband wavelength light source is shone on the sample, the interference light spectrally dispersed, then detected by a linear image sensor. An image in the depth direction of the sample is acquired by Fourier transforming the obtained wavelength information.
SS-OCT (swept source-OCT) method
The wavelength-swept light source sweeps the wavelength temporally and shines its output light on the sample, and the generated interference light is detected with a differential detector. An image in the depth direction of the sample is acquired by Fourier transforming the obtained wavelength information.
Sample applications by wavelength
Application example: Fundoscopy
The state of the retina including swelling and bleeding can be analyzed by taking tomographic images of the retina and nerve fiber layer. This technology is used for early detection of the symptoms of diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), and diabetic retinopathy, as well as follow-up examinations after treatment.
Learn more on the application of OCT method to opthalmology.
SD-OCT method
SS-OCT method
Recommended products
[for SD-OCT]
A CMOS linear image sensor with a readout rate of 40 MHz max. and a line rate of 34 kHz max.
[for SD-OCT]
A high-sensitivity CMOS linear image sensor using a photosensitive area with vertically long pixels (14 × 200 µm).
[for SD-OCT]
Front-illuminated type CCD linear image sensor with a high-speed line rate [40 MHz max. (× 4 ports)]
[for SD-OCT]
Image sensor module with a built-in high-speed InGaAs linear image sensor.
[for SD-OCT]
Image sensor module with a built-in CCD linear image sensor S15729-01.
[for SD-OCT]
A 1024-pixel high-speed InGaAs linear image sensor with high sensitivity in the near-infrared region (0.9 to 1.7 µm).
[for SS-OCT]
These are differential amplification type photoelectric conversion modules containing two Hamamatsu photodiodes with balanced characteristics.
Related documents
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