Coherence function-encoded optical palpation
Abstract
Optical palpation maps stress at the surface of biological tissue into 2D images. It relies on measuring surface deformation of a compliant layer, which to date has been performed with optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT-based optical palpation holds promise for improved clinical diagnostics; however, the complexity and cost hinder broad adoption. In this Letter, we introduce coherence function-encoded optical palpation (CFE-OP) using a novel optical profilometry technique that exploits the envelope of the coherence function rather than its peak position, which is typically used to retrieve depth information. CFE-OP utilizes a Fabry–Perot laser diode (bandwidth, 2.2 nm) and a single photodiode in a Michelson interferometer to detect the position along the coherence envelope as a function of path length. This technique greatly reduces complexity and cost in comparison to the OCT-based approach. We perform CFE-OP on phantom and excised human breast tissue, demonstrating comparable mechanical contrast to OCT-based optical palpation and the capability to distinguish stiff tumor from soft benign tissue.
Citation
Fang , Q , Wijesinghe , P , Jones , R , Lakhiani , D D , Dessauvagie , B F , Latham , B , Saunders , C & Kennedy , B F 2021 , ' Coherence function-encoded optical palpation ' , Optics Letters , vol. 46 , no. 18 , pp. 4534-4537 . https://doi.org/10.1364/OL.430117
Publication
Optics Letters
Status
Peer reviewed
ISSN
0146-9592Type
Journal article
Description
Funding: Australian Research Council, the National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia), OncoRes Medical, Australia.Collections
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