Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique for the tomographic examination of transparent and semi-transparent materials. The functional principle of OCT is like to that of ultrasound imaging, both methods are based on reflection. In contrast to ultrasound imaging, OCT works with light and not with sound waves. It provides depth-resolved sectional images as well as volumetric images with a penetration depth of several millimetres and a resolution in the single-digit micrometer range - about ten times better than ultrasound.
Organic tissue, such as tumour tissue, can be examined with OCT at a very early stage of the disease, either intraoperatively or in vitro. OCT is already used clinically in ophthalmology and cardiovascular diagnostics.
Together with partners from a wide variety of medical disciplines and with companies from the medical technology sector, we design solution scenarios for OCT sensors for use on patients
In addition to building user interfaces, the Fraunhofer IPT develops customized OCT systems in the following modes:
- Spectral Domain,
- Swept Source,
- Polarisation sensitive
- Full Field
All systems are controlled by a uniform software of the Fraunhofer IPT. The Fraunhofer IPT is also active in the field of standardization for optical coherence tomography in the VDI/VDE Society for Measurement and Automation Technology.
Our services
- Development of individual SD and SS-OCT systems
- Development and construction of non-invasive sensors
- Implementation of individual signal and image processing algorithms
- Systems integration
- Automation of sensor systems
- Implementation of preclinical feasibility studies