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

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · 2024 · $195,490

## 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 organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Brian E. Applegate
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $195,490
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-15 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10929294

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10929294, Ultra-stable, phase sensitive, snapshot OCT system enabled by 2-Photon additive manufacturing (5R21GM149078-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10929294. Licensed CC0.

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