Theoretical simulation and experimental research on optical coherence tomography (OCT)

Utilizing the ultra-fast laser or superluminescence diode (SLD) as the light source, optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a new tomographic imaging technique. It has great applying foreground in many fields such as medicine, biology, material and so on. We founded an OCT system and applied it in biological imaging successfully. Furthermore, we found a potential great application for this technique in measuring the inner structure of bedded samples such as paint films. The experiment in OCT has made prompt development, while only a little work has been done on the theoretical analysis. Some experimental results, thus, can't be explained clearly. In this paper, we use the Monte-Carlo simulation method to analyze OCT image. The differences between single scattered (or least scattered) light and multiply scattered light and its influence to the quality of OCT image are discussed in detail. To show an example, our simulating calculation object is a conduit immersing in a high scattering medium that can be regarded as the approximation of blood vessel. After programming and calculating we get the theoretical result as the form of pseudo color image. The images of conduit immersing in the high scattering medium are clearly seen. Comparing with the experimental imaging of vein they are accordant basically. All above prove the Monte-Carlo simulation method correct and effective in theoretical research of OCT. Many significant results, which are very helpful for experimental research, are draw through this method.