Application of chromatic analysis for resolution improvement in optical coherence tomography (OCT)

In conventional optical coherence tomography (OCT) the resolution of the image is dependant on the spectral width and centre wavelength of the light source. We investigate whether the application of chromatic analysis techniques and Gaussian peak fitting can provide an improved resolution to OCT images. OCT signals were simulated mathematically and analysed to observe interference effects in the signal when considering two surfaces separated by less than the coherence length of the source. Chromatic analysis was then applied to identify the component interferograms within the signal. The peaks of these component interferograms were then found by fitting Gaussian peaks to the signal. Images of air wedges and onion slices were analysed and improved resolution was shown in both cases. This work shows the potential for the use of chromatic techniques in improving the resolution of OCT images in tissue.