Manifestation of aberrations in full-field optical coherence tomography

TL;DR

This paper presents a theoretical model for full-field optical coherence tomography (FFOCT), demonstrating its high resolution and sensitivity to aberrations, which can inform the development of adaptive optics and computational imaging for biological tissues.

Contribution

The paper introduces a comprehensive theoretical model for FFOCT, linking its imaging performance to spatial incoherence and aberration effects, guiding future optimization.

Findings

FFOCT acts like a confocal microscope with virtual pinhole.

FFOCT achieves nearly twice the resolution of standard imaging at moderate aberrations.

The model supports the development of adaptive optics and computational tools for better biological tissue imaging.

Abstract

We report on a theoretical model for image formation in full-field optical coherence tomography (FFOCT). Because the spatial incoherence of the illumination acts as a virtual confocal pinhole in FFOCT, its imaging performance is equivalent to a scanning time-gated coherent confocal microscope. In agreement with optical experiments enabling a precise control of aberrations, FFOCT is shown to have nearly twice the resolution of standard imaging at moderate aberration level. Beyond a rigorous study on the sensitivity of FFOCT with respect to aberrations, this theoretical model paves the way towards an optimized design of adaptive optics and \rev{computational tools} for high-resolution and deep imaging of biological tissues.