Ultra-stable, phase sensitive, snapshot OCT system enabled by 2-Photon additive manufacturing

NIH RePORTER · NIH · R21 · $195,490 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

In this proposal we aim to build a platform technology for volumetric OCT snapshot imaging using principle of Image Mapping Spectroscopy. We will demonstrate Full Field Spectral Domain OCT ((FFSDOCT)) system in free space. The volumetric functional OCT will be enabled by leveraging advanced 2Photon Polymerization 3-D printing approaches, that will permit printing of arbitrary optical quality structures. To achieve these goals, we will utilize state of the art Quantum X system from Nanoscribe. The device allows the combination of small, and medium size detail allowing feature sizes down to 140 nm. The roughness obtained in the printing process is below 20 nm. Prints will be performed in clear resins (IV-Dip, SU8 analogs etc.). It also permits unprecedented print volumes in comparison to other 2PP printers. Specifically, the proof of concept Full Field Spectral Domain OCT will use custom designed 3-D printed multifaceted mirror imaged and dispersed onto a 2-D sCMOS sensor. The mapping mirror will incorporate 10,000 miniature facets and 100 unique tilts to map 100x100 image points onto a camera sensor. In result the system will operate as an array of parallel, high resolution spectrometers where the number of spectrometers equals the number of object points. The resulting FFSDOCT system will have no moving parts yet be capable of acquiring volumetric OCT images at the frame rate of the sensor (30 Hz). The imaging spectrometer will linearly sample in wavenumber. To evaluate system, we will perform series of imaging experiments in free space. FFSDOCT will be characterized for resolution, system sensitivity, the measurement of flow and nanoscale vibrations.

Key facts

NIH application ID
10929294
Project number
5R21GM149078-02
Recipient
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Principal Investigator
Brian E. Applegate
Activity code
R21
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2024
Award amount
$195,490
Award type
5
Project period
2023-09-15 → 2025-08-31