Advancements in science and technology have significantly impacted how the world functions, and one such breakthrough is the development of swept source technology. Introduced in 2012 for optical coherence tomography (OCT), swept source has revolutionized the field of medical ophthalmology. It has empowered ophthalmologists worldwide to diagnose and treat optical problems like glaucoma with relative ease. With deep penetration, high resolution, faster acquisition time, and long coherence length, swept source is the ideal light source for OCT.
Why Swept Source is an Important Development
Swept source, a type of laser, is closely associated with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Its unique capabilities make it easier to visualize retinal structures such as the choroid and vitreous, even in the presence of pre-retinal hemorrhages. Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT) has made significant contributions to ophthalmology, particularly concerning the vitreous body. This technology has revolutionized the ability to demonstrate the entire structure of the posterior pre-cortical vitreous pocket (PPVP) in vivo. By providing high-resolution, depth-resolved imaging, SS-OCT enhances the understanding and diagnosis of various retinal and vitreous disorders, contributing to improved patient care and treatment outcomes.
With the advent of SS-OCT, the search for a laser that could achieve a desired performance—representing a 100 nm wavelength sweep range at a 100 kHz repetition rate with a 100 pm line width—was complete. This advancement provided significant improvements in imaging resolution and speed. Essentially, a swept source can be considered a type of tunable laser with important applications in ophthalmology. It allows for precise imaging and detailed visualization of retinal structures, greatly enhancing diagnostic capabilities and the effectiveness of various ophthalmic treatments.
Applications in the Field of Ophthalmology
The SS-OCT system has numerous applications. Its higher penetration intensity makes it easier to view the choroid, often challenging due to its deeper location within the eye. It plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing conditions such as central serous chorioretinopathy and uveitis, where detailed imaging of the choroidal structures is essential for accurate assessment. It provides high transverse resolution, which is not possible with other sources, making it essential for scanning and obtaining a precise image of the retina. This capability enables clinicians to detect subtle changes and abnormalities with greater accuracy, improving diagnostic and treatment outcomes.
An ultrahigh-speed endoscopic SS-OCT system was developed for clinical gastroenterology, proving quite helpful as good sample coverage was possible with high-quality imaging. This advancement allowed for detailed visualization of gastrointestinal tissues, enhancing the accuracy of diagnostic procedures. Different functional OCT imaging techniques have been developed to provide additional image contrast on top of OCT structural images. In OCT angiography, multiple scans are taken from the same position to help visualize blood flow, offering dynamic insights into vascular structures in contrast to the fixed remaining samples. Additionally, it can be used to determine tissue elasticity, crucial for assessing tissue health and mechanical properties, further expanding its utility in both diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
SS-OCT is also valuable in glaucoma detection, risk factor identification, and understanding the disease mechanism.
Inphenix is a US-based laser diode and light source manufacturer specializing in manufacturing photonics devices such as Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers(SOA), Superluminescent Diodes(SLDs), Gain Chip, LiDAR Lasers, and many others. The firm is known for its commitment to innovation and quality in the photonics industry. Inphenix also builds customized laser devices based on clients’ needs, offering tailored solutions to meet specific requirements for various applications, including telecommunications, sensing, medical imaging, and LiDAR systems. Their expertise extends to designing and optimizing laser components for enhanced performance and reliability in demanding environments.*
