Patent Description:
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an imaging technique widely adopted in the biomedical fields, including ophthalmology. OCT systems perform high-resolution, cross sectional imaging in semitransparent samples (such as biological tissues) by measuring the echo time delay of reflected light. OCT is often used by ophthalmic surgeons to assist with precision cutting and/or removal of tissues such as the vitreous. Providing wide-field-of-view OCT imaging across a curved surface such as a retina can be challenging because the images become curved and distorted at wide scan angles, particularly in highly myopic patients. Accordingly, there exists a need for improved wide-field-of-view OCT imaging in the ophthalmic context.

<CIT> discloses an SS-OCT adapted to change the optical path length difference between the reference light and the measurement light and to image the fundus over a wider angle of view.

<CIT> discloses an OCT comprising a reference mirror driving unit configured to move the reference mirror to adjust the optical path length of the reference light.

In certain embodiments, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system includes the features defined in claim <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the scan rate is between <NUM> and <NUM>, or is at least <NUM>. The scanner may be configured to scan the imaging beam at each of the scan angles according to a raster pattern, and the raster pattern may generate a B-scan at least <NUM> in length or at least <NUM> in length.

In certain embodiments, the linear actuator is configured to translate the reference reflector at least <NUM> in a direction parallel to the reference beam. The linear actuator may further be configured to translate the reference reflector at least <NUM> in a direction parallel to the reference beam.

The OCT system may comprise a spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) system or a swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) system.

In certain embodiments, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system according to claim <NUM> comprises a light source configured to generate an OCT beam, and a beam splitter, configured to split the OCT beam into a reference beam and an imaging beam, direct the reference beam toward a reference reflector, and direct the imaging beam toward a scanner. The system also includes a linear actuator, such as a piezoelectric actuator or voice coil actuator, configured to move the reference reflector to change the length of the reference beam, and the scanner, configured to scan the imaging beam onto a target surface over a plurality of scan angles, wherein the scanner and target surface are separated by a first sample distance at a first scan angle and a second sample distance at a second scan angle. The system includes an OCT controller comprising a processor and instructions stored on a memory, the instructions executable by the processor to cause the OCT controller to generate signals to cause the scanner to repeatedly scan the imaging beam onto the target surface at the first scan angle and the second scan angle according to a scan rate to generate live OCT images, and cause the actuator to move the reference reflector synchronously with the scan rate while the scanner scans the imaging beam onto the target surface, thereby adjusting the length of the reference beam to account for a difference between the first sample distance and the second sample distance. The system further includes a detector configured to receive the reference beam reflected by the reference reflector and the imaging beam reflected by the target surface, and output an interference signal based on the received reference beam and the imaging beam.

In certain embodiments, the linear actuator comprises a piezoelectric stack or voice coil configured to translate the reference reflector at least <NUM> in a direction parallel to the reference beam. In certain embodiments, the first scan angle and the second scan angle are separated by at least <NUM> degrees. In certain embodiments, the scan generates a B-scan at least <NUM> in length. The OCT system may comprise a spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) system or a swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) system.

According to claim <NUM>, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system comprises a light source, configured to generate an OCT beam, and a beam splitter, configured to split the OCT beam into a reference beam and an imaging beam, direct the reference beam toward a reference reflector, and direct the imaging beam toward a scanner. The system further includes a linear actuator, configured to translate the reference reflector at least <NUM> in a direction parallel to the reference beam and the scanner, configured to scan the imaging beam onto a target surface at a plurality of scan angles. The system includes an OCT controller comprising a processor and instructions stored on a memory, the instructions executable by the processor to cause the OCT controller to generate signals to cause the scanner to repeatedly scan the imaging beam at each of the scan angles at a first scan rate to generate live OCT images, and cause the actuator to translate the reference reflector synchronously with the scan rate, such that a path length of the reference beam is maintained within a tolerance range of a path length of the imaging beam throughout the scan.

In certain embodiments, the tolerance range is less than <NUM> or <NUM>. The scan rate may be between <NUM> and <NUM>. Further, the scanner may be configured to scan the imaging beam at each of the scan angles according to a raster pattern. The linear actuator may be a piezoelectric stack or voice coil configured to translate the reference reflector at least <NUM> in a direction parallel to the reference beam.

Certain embodiments may provide one or more technical advantages. For example, improved OCT imaging systems according to the disclosure may provide ultra-wide field-of-view OCT imaging with reduced distortion. Certain embodiments generate OCT images in which a target surface is centered throughout an OCT image window, despite relative variations in target depth. Thus, certain embodiments provide improved live OCT imaging of curved surfaces, such as high-myopia retinal surfaces. These and other advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the present drawings and specification.

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate like features and wherein:.

One skilled in the art will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of applicant's disclosure.

It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is intended. Alterations and further modifications to the described systems, devices, and methods, and any further application of the principles of the present disclosure are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. In particular, it is contemplated that the systems, devices, and/or methods described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to other embodiments of the present disclosure. For simplicity, in some instances the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Optical coherence tomographic (OCT) imaging systems are useful in an array of biological applications including ophthalmology, dentistry, cardiology, gastroenterology, and others. The general design and principles of OCT systems are known and described in, for example: (a) "<NPL>) and (b) "<NPL>).

<FIG> is a simple schematic illustration of components in a conventional OCT system <NUM>. System <NUM> may comprise a spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) system or swept-source (SS-OCT) system. In general, the components of such systems <NUM> are well-known to the skilled artisan. Among other things, system <NUM> includes a light source <NUM>, beam splitter/combiner <NUM>, reference reflector <NUM>, scanner <NUM>, and a detector <NUM>. Light source <NUM> may comprise any suitable low-coherence light source such as a super-luminescent diode, ultrashort (e.g., femtosecond) pulsed laser, or supercontinuum laser, and may comprise a frequency-swept or tunable laser in certain examples, such as SS-OCT systems. Beam splitter <NUM> may comprise a non-polarized beam splitter for splitting the OCT beam into an imaging beam and a reference beam and combining or directing reflected imaging and reference light toward detector <NUM>. Reference reflector <NUM> is typically a mirror, but may comprise any suitable component which reflects the reference beam <NUM> toward the detector <NUM>. Scanner <NUM> may comprise one or more galvanometer-controlled mirrors to scan the imaging beam in the x-y plane toward a target or sample, such as retina <NUM> (when discussing the object being imaged, the terms "target" and "sample" are used interchangeably herein). In certain embodiments, scanner <NUM> may additionally include focusing optics to scan the imaging beam in a z-direction. Scanner <NUM> may comprise any suitable scanning mirror arrangement. Alternatively, scanner <NUM> may comprise any suitable scanner components, such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) or a resonant scanner. The imaging beam scanned by scanner <NUM> is directed through optical elements <NUM> which may comprise focusing and/or collimating lenses. Detector <NUM> comprises an interferometer which receives the imaging beam reflected from the target and the reference beam reflected from the reflector <NUM> and outputs an interference signal from which an OCT image can be generated. Particular components included in detector <NUM> depend on the type of OCT system and may include any suitable combination of spectrometers, photodetectors, array detectors, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), diffraction grating(s), or other components known to those skilled in the art. For example, detector <NUM> in an SD-OCT system may include a diffraction grating, lenses, and an array detector such as a charge-coupled device (CCD). As another example, detector <NUM> in an SS-OCT system may include a photodetector and a analog-to-digital converter.

System <NUM> may include an OCT controller (not shown in <FIG>) comprising hardware, firmware, and software configured to control components of system <NUM> to acquire and display OCT images of a target. System <NUM> may additionally include one or more displays (not shown) to present OCT images generated by the OCT controller. In various examples, the display may include any one or more monitors, projectors, oculars, heads-up displays, screens, glasses, goggles, etc. The OCT images may be displayed as 2D or 3D images.

In operation, light source <NUM> emits a low-coherence light beam directed to beam splitter <NUM>, which splits the light into a reference beam <NUM> directed through a reference arm (which may comprise any suitable transmission and focusing optics including optical fibers) toward reflector <NUM> and an imaging beam <NUM> directed through an imaging arm (which likewise may include any suitable transmission and focusing optics including optical fibers) toward a scanner <NUM>. Scanner <NUM> (under the control of the OCT controller) may scan the imaging beam toward optics <NUM> and the lens <NUM> of eye <NUM> according to a scan pattern (e.g., raster scan, radial scan, cube scan, circle group scan, line group scan, etc.) to generate the desired scan (e.g., A-scan, B-scan, or C-scan). A depth-resolved axial scan (A-scan) comprises a measurement of the light signal interference at a point. Cross-sectional images (B-scans) may be generated by scanning the OCT beam across the tissue surface and acquiring multiple axial measurements over a line, curve, circle, etc. A 3D image may be constructed from a series of B-scans generated over an area of the tissue surface. Scanning may be repeated at a scan rate or frequency to generate live or real-time OCT images which may useful for pre-operative diagnostics as well as intra-operative guidance.

Imaging beam light reflected by the retina <NUM> and reference beam light reflected by the reflector <NUM> may be received at detector <NUM>, which interferes the back-reflected or backscattered imaging beam with the reference beam to generate OCT images. Interference occurs when the path length of the reference beam (i.e., the distance imaging light travels between source <NUM> and reflector <NUM>) and the path length of the imaging beam (i.e., the stance imaging light travels between source <NUM> and a target such as retina <NUM>) are matched within the coherence length of the light emitted by light source <NUM>. This interference signal conveys information about the target at a depth which corresponds to the reference beam path length.

Accordingly, OCT systems are calibrated prior to use by setting the reference beam path length according to the target depth, so that the path length of the reference beam is approximately equal to the path length of the imaging beam at the target depth. The difference between the path length of the reference beam and the path length of the imaging beam at the target depth in an OCT system is referred to as the optical path difference (OPD). Ideally, OPD is zero, though absolute precision necessary in practice. Thus, in the example of <FIG>, if the primary target depth is the center surface of retina <NUM>, the reference beam path length (illustrated as reference beam distance Rd) is set to match the path length of the imaging beam measured to the center of retina <NUM> (illustrated as center sample distance Sdc). In conventional spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) systems or swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) systems such as system <NUM>, this reference beam path length is fixed at the outset of the imaging procedure and remains fixed throughout the OCT scan.

It is noted that OCT imaging systems may be broadly classified into time-domain OCT (TD-OCT) systems, SD-OCT systems, and SS-OCT systems. TD-OCT systems obtain an interference pattern by moving a reference mirror to vary the reference path length at each point in a scan pattern. That is, at a given point in a TD-OCT scan pattern, the reference mirror in the reference arm must be moved to change the reference path length. The movement of this mirror in the reference arm of TD-OCT systems is a speed gating factor, because the mirror must be moved through a distance (z-range) at each (x,y) point of an OCT scan pattern in order to generate the required interference signal.

Conventional SD-OCT and SS-OCT systems operate according to different principles and avoid this speed gate by employing a fixed-position reference reflector which requires no mechanical scanning of the reference path at any point in a scan pattern. SD-OCT systems use a broadband light source and obtain depth information measuring the spectral density in the sample arm using a spectrometer. SS-OCT systems utilize a frequency-swept laser or tunable laser and a single-point detector. In both SD-OCT and SS-OCT systems, OCT images are generated from the received interference signal using fast Fourier transforms. Accordingly, the reference reflector position is fixed at each (x,y) point of an OCT scan pattern executed by conventional SD-OCT and SS-OCT systems.

Typical SD-OCT and SS-OCT systems for posterior-segment imaging may scan between <NUM>° and <NUM>° (e.g., ±<NUM>° or ±<NUM>° from a center position) across a retinal target. Over such scan angles, the targeted portion of the retina may be imaged without significant distortion because variations in the depth of the retina attributable to retinal curvature are not significant. Stated differently, the variations in OPD resulting from retinal curvature are typically not very significant across smaller scan angle ranges (e.g., between <NUM>° and <NUM>°). However, over wider fields-of-view (e.g., <NUM>° or more), the curvature of the retina across the imaged area results in significant variation in OPD, particularly in high-myopia patients. This variation in OPD can cause distortion in the OCT image.

<FIG> illustrates an example wide field-of-view B-scan (approximately <NUM>°) of a retina generated by a conventional SD-OCT or SS-OCT system. As illustrated in this example, the image of the retina is curved in a wide "U" shape, such that the edges appear to "fall off' the image range on each side. This distortion results from variations in the OPD attributable to retinal curvature and the fixed reference beam path length. That is, the reference beam path length is calibrated to image at a particular depth, e.g., so that the OPD is approximately zero at the center of the retina. However, the natural curvature of the retina results in the fundus surface outside that depth because the OPD changes as the imaging beam is scanned across tissues which are closer to scanner <NUM>.

This characteristic "U"-shaped distortion is undesirable and problematic. For example, during a procedure, a surgeon may "zoom in" to a particular area of the retina, such one of windows A-C. Each of windows A-C represents an image area for enlargement, though it is noted that any portion of the image may be enlarged. Although the retinal image is generally horizontal in window B, windows A and C each display a portion of the retinal surface with a steep angular orientation in the image window. This angular orientation results in distortion and truncation of the retinal image and, among other things, it makes the image more difficult to read and use, particularly in an intra-operative context.

Embodiments of the present disclosure address this problem by modulating the position of a reference reflector, thereby adjusting the reference beam path length to account for or match variations of the target depth within a scan and "flatten" out the OCT image as shown in <FIG>. In other words, the position of the reference reflector is modulated so that the system OPD is maintained at or near zero throughout a scan pattern. Compared against <FIG>, image windows A and C of <FIG> display larger portions of the retina with increased clarity and reduced distortion. Accordingly, improved OCT systems according to the present disclosure facilitate high-speed (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>+ Hz), wide-angle scans (e.g., ±<NUM>°- ±<NUM>° sweeps) across large retinal cross-sections and provide improved images that are substantially free of distortion and easy to use during a surgical procedure.

<FIG> illustrates an example of an improved OCT imaging system <NUM> to generate images as shown in <FIG>. System <NUM> may be a probe-based system, a stand-alone imaging system, or an imaging system integrated with other components, such as a surgical microscope. It is noted that <FIG> does not attempt to exhaustively illustrate all components of an OCT system, nor is it drawn to scale. Rather, it is provided to qualitatively illustrate how the optical path of the imaging beam <NUM> varies according to scan angle.

System <NUM> comprises an SD-OCT or SS-OCT imaging system which includes many of the same components as system <NUM> (like numerals indicate like components). In particular, system <NUM> includes a light source <NUM>, beam splitter/combiner <NUM>, scanner <NUM>, and a detector <NUM>. Light source <NUM> may comprise any suitable low-coherence light source such as a super-luminescent diode, ultrashort (e.g., femtosecond) pulsed laser, or supercontinuum laser, and may comprise a frequency-swept or tunable laser in certain examples, such as SS-OCT systems. Beam splitter <NUM> may comprise a non-polarized beam splitter for splitting the OCT beam into an imaging beam transmitted through the sample arm and a reference beam transmitted through the reference arm (sometimes referred to as a delay line) of the OCT system. Beam splitter <NUM> also receives and combines reflected imaging light (reflected by the sample, such as eye <NUM>) and reference light (reflected by reference reflector <NUM>) toward detector <NUM>. Scanner <NUM> may comprise one or more galvanometer-controlled mirrors to scan the imaging beam in the x-y plane through a sample arm of the OCT system toward the sample, such as retina <NUM>. Scanner <NUM> may additionally include focusing optics to scan the imaging beam in a z-direction. Scanner <NUM> may comprise any suitable scanner, such as a galvanometer-controlled mirror scanner. The imaging beam scanned by scanner <NUM> is directed through optical elements <NUM> which may comprise focusing and/or collimating lenses of the sample arm. Detector <NUM> comprises an interferometer which receives the imaging beam reflected from the target and the reference beam reflected from the reflector <NUM> and outputs an interference signal from which an OCT image can be generated. Particular components included in detector <NUM> depend on the type of OCT system and may include any suitable combination of spectrometers, photodetectors, array detectors, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), diffraction grating(s), or other components known to those skilled in the art. Detector <NUM> in an SD-OCT system may include a diffraction grating, lenses, and an array detector such as a charge-coupled device (CCD). Detector <NUM> in an SS-OCT system may include a photodetector an analog-to-digital converter.

In contrast to system <NUM>, system <NUM> includes a movable reflector <NUM> coupled to an actuator <NUM>, as well as an OCT controller <NUM> communicatively coupled to actuator <NUM> and scanner <NUM>. In certain embodiments, OCT controller <NUM> may also be communicatively coupled to detector <NUM> and light source <NUM>. Reflector <NUM> typically comprises a mirror, but may comprise any reflector suitable for reflecting the reference beam of system <NUM> towards detector <NUM>. In certain embodiments, actuator <NUM> comprises a linear actuator, such as a stacked piezoelectrionic array or linear voice coil actuator(s), configured to translate reflector <NUM> laterally between positions Rdc and RdL/RdR, as indicated by the arrow above reflector <NUM>. In other embodiments, actuator <NUM> may comprise any suitable linear, rotary, or oscillatory actuator arranged to move reflector <NUM> and thereby adjust the reference beam path length. A stacked piezo array or voice coil actuator may provide increased simplicity compared with the galvanometer mirrors used for delay line modulation in time-domain OCT systems.

OCT controller <NUM> comprises hardware and software configured to perform the enhanced OCT imaging processes described herein. In certain embodiments, the OCT controller <NUM> includes one or more processors coupled to a memory. The processor may include one or more CPUs, microprocessors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital-signal processors (DSPs), system-on-chip (SoC) processors, or analogous components. The memory may include volatile or nonvolatile memory including, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), removable media, or analogous components. The memory may store instructions for software programs and algorithms that, when executed by the processor, allow the OCT controller <NUM> to direct the operation of (e.g., by generating control signals sent to) scanner <NUM>, actuator <NUM>, light source <NUM>, detector <NUM>, and/or other components of system <NUM> to provide improved wide-field of view OCT imaging. As used in the claims, the terms "processor," "memory," and "instructions" each refers to a classes of structures known in the field of OCT imaging and familiar to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, these terms are to be understood as denoting structural rather than functional elements of the disclosed system.

In operation, light source <NUM> generates an OCT beam which is split by beam splitter <NUM> into a reference beam <NUM> and an imaging beam <NUM>. Imaging beam <NUM> is directed through an imaging or sample arm comprising transmission optics toward scanner <NUM> which, in response to signals generated by the OCT controller <NUM>, scans the imaging beam <NUM> onto the target eye <NUM> according to a scan pattern to image a portion of the retina <NUM>. The scan pattern executed by system <NUM> may be any suitable pattern, such as a raster scan, radial scan, cube scan, circle group scan, line group scan, etc..

While imaging beam <NUM> is scanned onto retina <NUM>, reference beam <NUM> is directed toward reflector <NUM> through a reference arm comprising transmission optics. Actuator <NUM> configured to move reflector <NUM> in response to signals generated by the OCT controller <NUM> modulate the position of reflector <NUM> while scanner <NUM> scans imaging beam <NUM> onto retina <NUM> across a plurality scan angles in a scan pattern, so that the system OPD is maintained at or near zero. Detector <NUM> receives imaging light reflected from retina <NUM> and reference light reflected from the reflector <NUM> and outputs an interference signal from which an OCT image can be generated.

As noted above, scanner <NUM> may scan the target surface according to a variety of scan patterns. In certain embodiments, scanner <NUM> comprises two or more galvanometer scanners configured to scan imaging beam <NUM> according to a high-speed raster pattern. Raster patterns are typically generated using one fast galvanometer and one slow galvanometer. The fast galvanometer may sweep across a scan angle range at the raster scan frequency. In various embodiments of system <NUM>, scanner <NUM> may implement a raster scan having a frequency in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, or <NUM>-<NUM>. In certain examples, the raster scan frequency may be at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>. Further, the raster pattern may be scanned across scan angles of at least ±<NUM> degrees (<NUM>° sweep), ±<NUM> degrees (<NUM>° sweep), ±<NUM> degrees (<NUM>° sweep), ±<NUM> degrees (<NUM>° sweep), ±<NUM> degrees (<NUM>° sweep), ±<NUM> degrees (<NUM>° sweep), or more. The pattern may generate a B-scan at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> in length.

It is noted that the trajectories of imaging beam <NUM> and reference beam <NUM> depicted in <FIG> are simplified schematic illustrations provided to convey the principles of system <NUM>, without concern for optical details of system <NUM>. One skilled in the art will appreciate that, in practice, reference beam <NUM> and/or imaging beam <NUM> may be refracted and/or reflected by various elements in the beam path, including but not limited to scanner <NUM>, optics <NUM>, and crystalline lens <NUM>. For example, the path of imaging beam <NUM> may be reflected and/or refracted between scanner <NUM> and lens <NUM>, though straight paths are depicted for simplicity. Moreover, imaging beam <NUM>.

As <FIG> illustrates, the surface of retina <NUM> is curved. Thus, as imaging beam <NUM> is scanned across the curved surface of retina <NUM>, the relative distance between scanner <NUM> (an example fixed reference point along the image beam path) and the retina <NUM> varies. In this example, an initial scan angle Θi = <NUM>° corresponds to a center-position sample distance, Sdc. Although scan angles Θi in the example of <FIG> are based on a point of reference within lens <NUM> (where the path of imaging beam <NUM> at each scan angle intersects), one skilled in the art will appreciate that the location of the applicable reference point by which to measure a scan angle may vary in different embodiments.

During an imaging procedure, scanner <NUM> scans the imaging beam <NUM> so that it sweeps across retina <NUM>, as indicated by the curved arrow below retina <NUM> in <FIG>. As the scanner directs the imaging beam to the left side of retina <NUM>, the scan angle increases from <NUM>° to Θ<NUM>, and the distance between scanner <NUM> and the scanned surface of retina <NUM> decreases moving from Sdc to the left-position sample distance Sdc (though it is noted that the actual change in beam path length may be impacted by other features in the imaging arm of system <NUM>). Likewise, as scanner <NUM> causes the beam to sweep to the right side of retina <NUM>, the scan angle returns to <NUM>° at Sdc and then increases to Θ<NUM>, and the distance between scanner <NUM> and retina <NUM> returns to SdC and then increases moving to the right-position sample distance SdR (again, the actual change in beam path length may be also impacted by other features in the imaging arm). Hence, the imaging beam path length in system <NUM> varies according to the scan angle of the imaging beam. Given a fixed reference beam path length, this variation can cause the OCT image to "fall off" at the edges in a "U" shape, as depicted in <FIG>.

System <NUM> reduces or eliminates such distortion by adjusting the position of reflector <NUM> according to the scan angle to offset variations in the imaging beam path length. In particular, OCT controller <NUM> controls actuator <NUM> to modulate the position of reflector <NUM> synchronously with the scan angle and maintain OPD at or near zero, or within a tolerance range. For example, when scanner <NUM> scans imaging beam <NUM> to the center of retina <NUM>, the sample beam <NUM> traverses a center-position path distance represented by Sdc, and reflector <NUM> is positioned at a corresponding center-position reference beam distance Rdc which is equal or approximately equal to Sdc, such that OPD is at or near zero. When scanner <NUM> scans imaging beam <NUM> at scan angle Θ<NUM>, imaging beam <NUM> traverses a path represented by the left sample beam distance SdL, and reflector <NUM> is positioned at a left reference beam distance RdL such that the reflector <NUM> is translated a distance commensurate with the change in imaging beam path length (such that OPD is kept at or near zero). This may be performed at any number of points in the scan pattern. In this manner, the path length of reference beam <NUM> is actively adjusted during the scan to match the variation in the path length of imaging beam <NUM> at different scan angles in a scan pattern.

For example, if difference in the optical path length between Sdc and SdL is <NUM>, then an actuator <NUM> may translate reflector <NUM> by a distance RdC - RdL to reduce the reference beam path length by an amount such that the OPD between reference and sample arms is kept at or near zero. It is noted that, in practice, it may be necessary to translate reflector <NUM> more or less than <NUM> to maintain overall OPD at or near zero. This may be at least partially caused by differences between the optical paths of the imaging beam <NUM> and reference beam <NUM>. For example, the sample arm of system <NUM> includes scanner <NUM>, optics <NUM>, and eye <NUM>. Within eye <NUM>, the refractive index is approximately n=<NUM>. On the other hand, the reference beam <NUM> traversing the reference arm may be in air, where n=<NUM>. In such a system, to maintain overall OPD near zero given a <NUM> change in imaging beam path length, it may be necessary to move reference reflector <NUM> more than <NUM>. Accordingly, in various embodiments, specific translation distances for reference reflector <NUM> may be calibrated to account for system- and implementation-specific factors to maintain OPD at or near zero or within a tolerance range.

In some examples, system <NUM> may maintain equal imaging beam and reference beam path lengths (OPD = <NUM>) for all scan angles Θn in a scan pattern. However, in other examples, it may not be necessary or feasible to maintain OPD at exactly zero for all scan angles. Accordingly, in certain embodiments OPD may be maintained within a tolerance value Tdx, such that any difference between the imaging beam path length and reference beam path length is less than or equal to Tdx (e.g., |OPD| ≤TdX for all scan angles Θn in a scan pattern). In some examples, Tdx may be <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or any other suitable value. In certain examples, Tdx may be variable. For example, Tdx may increase or decrease depending on the scan angle. Tdx may be set or configured by a system operator.

In the context of a retinal imaging procedure, a raster pattern executed across wide angles at high rates presents particular challenges because the imaging beam path length changes most rapidly as retina <NUM> is scanned in a straight line. Hence, a high-frequency raster pattern requires that the reference beam path length must be modulated at a very high speed. To modulate the reference beam path length synchronously with the fast galvanometer executing a high-speed, wide-angle raster scan, actuator <NUM> may include one or more linear actuators <NUM> configured to move reflector <NUM> (under the control of OCT controller <NUM>) synchronously with the movement of scanner <NUM>. For example, linear actuators <NUM> comprise stacked array of piezoelectric actuators having at least <NUM> of stroke, operated in a double-path delay line to yield over <NUM> of effective reference beam path length modulation (e.g., by moving reflector <NUM> across a <NUM>+mm range between RdC and RdL/RdR). In other examples, actuators <NUM> may comprise linear voice coil actuator(s) configured to modulate the position of reference reflector <NUM> across a a <NUM>+mm range between RdC and RdL/RdR.

Values defining the correct position of reference reflector <NUM> at particular scan points and/or scan angles in a scan pattern may comprise pre-loaded default values. Alternatively, such values may be input by a system operator or generated from patient-specific data. Such patient-specific data may comprise eye modeling data, biometric data, OCT image data, and/or any other suitable information, including data obtained during a preoperative procedure or during a calibration or initialization phase of an imaging procedure.

For example, in certain embodiments, OCT controller <NUM> may cause scanner <NUM> to generate a calibration OCT image by scanning the imaging beam <NUM> according to a scan pattern while reflector <NUM> remains stationary in an initial position. OCT controller <NUM> may receive and analyze the generated calibration OCT image to determine a plurality of sample distance values (e.g., Sd<NUM>, Sd<NUM>,. Sdn) associated with particular scan angle values (e.g., Θ<NUM>, Θ<NUM>,. Based on the sample distance values, OCT controller <NUM> may calculate a plurality of reflector position values (e.g., Rp<NUM>, Rp<NUM>,. Rpn) which will change the reference beam path length to maintain the OPD within the specified tolerance. OCT controller <NUM> may then associate the calculated reflector position values with corresponding scan angle values and store the association in memory. During an imaging procedure, OCT controller <NUM> may generate signals which cause scanner <NUM> to scan imaging beam <NUM> across scan angles in the scan pattern and simultaneously control actuator <NUM> to position of reflector <NUM> according to the stored reflector position values associated with each scan angle. As a result, reflector <NUM> may sweep across a plurality of positions synchronously with the scan rate, thereby adjusting the length of the reference beam to maintain OPD within a desired tolerance Tdx.

Accordingly, embodiments of system <NUM> are capable of providing an ultra-wide field-of-view OCT image of a target, such as a retina, at high scan rates without image distortion characteristic of conventional OCT systems. Although a curved target surface is discussed in the example of <FIG>, the systems and advantages described in the present disclosure may not be confined to imaging curved target surfaces but also include enhanced imaging of flat target surfaces based on the same principles.

<FIG> depicts a process performed by components of system <NUM> in certain embodiments. At step <NUM>, an OCT controller <NUM> of system <NUM> associates one or more scan angles of a scan pattern with a plurality of reference reflector positions. The associations may be pre-loaded or calculated based on input by a system operator. In certain embodiments, the associations are determined by an OCT controller <NUM> based on patient data, eye modeling data, OCT image data, and/or other information. In certain embodiments, an OCT controller <NUM> calculates and stores a reference reflector position value for each of a plurality of scan angles in a scan pattern based on an analysis of a calibration OCT image. The calculated reflector position values for each scan angle may, in certain embodiments, also account for characteristics or features in the imaging beam path, such as the refractive index of eye <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pattern may be scanned across scan angles of at least ±<NUM> degrees (<NUM>° sweep), ±<NUM> degrees (<NUM>° sweep), ±<NUM> degrees (<NUM>° sweep), ±<NUM> degrees (<NUM>° sweep), ±<NUM> degrees (<NUM>° sweep), ±<NUM> degrees (<NUM>° sweep), or more. The pattern may be a raster pattern generating a B-scan at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> in length. The scan pattern may be selected by a user or automatically selected by system <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, an OCT controller <NUM> generates signals to cause scanner <NUM> to scan imaging beam <NUM> onto retina <NUM> at each scan angle within the scan pattern. In certain examples, the scan frequency may be at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, based on the association at step <NUM>, the OCT controller <NUM> generates signals causing the actuator <NUM> (e.g., a stacked piezo array or voice coil actuator(s)) to move reference reflector <NUM> while imaging beam <NUM> is scanned at step <NUM> such that the reference beam path length is modulated according to the imaging beam path length throughout the scan pattern, so that the |OPD| ≤TdX for all or a subset of scan angles Θn in the scan pattern. In other embodiments, the OCT controller may generate an instruction set which combines a reflector position sequence with the scan pattern. The instruction set may be executed by a processor of the OCT controller <NUM> without interruptions or delays attributable to on-the-fly calculations or lookup operations.

In this manner, an improved OCT image may be generated that "flattens out" the characteristic "U" shape, as shown in <FIG>. This allows for imaging and analysis of a greater portion of the retinal surface may be imaged and, in contrast to <FIG>, a surgeon may easily "zoom in" to any of windows A, B, or C of <FIG> to view a particular area of the retina in greater detail. Compared with <FIG>, the OCT image shown in <FIG> is more easily readable and more useful to surgeons, particularly for intraoperative real-time imaging.

Claim 1:
An optical coherence tomography (OCT) system (<NUM>), comprising:
a light source (<NUM>), configured to generate an OCT beam;
a beam splitter (<NUM>), configured to:
split the OCT beam into a reference beam (<NUM>) and an imaging beam (<NUM>);
direct the reference beam (<NUM>) toward a reference reflector (<NUM>); and
direct the imaging beam (<NUM>) toward a scanner (<NUM>);
a linear actuator (<NUM>), configured to move the reference reflector (<NUM>) to adjust the length of the reference beam (<NUM>);
the scanner (<NUM>), configured to scan the imaging beam (<NUM>) onto a target surface (<NUM>) at a plurality of scan angles (θ<NUM>, θ<NUM>), wherein the scanner (<NUM>) and target surface (<NUM>) are separated by a sample distance (SdL, SdC, SdR) that varies at each of the scan angles (Θ<NUM>, Θ<NUM>);
further comprising
an OCT controller (<NUM>) comprising a processor and instructions stored on a memory, the instructions executable by the processor to cause the OCT controller (<NUM>) to generate signals to:
cause the scanner (<NUM>) to repeatedly scan the imaging beam (<NUM>) at each of the scan angles (θ<NUM>, θ<NUM>) at a first scan rate to generate live OCT images; and
cause the actuator (<NUM>) to adjust the length of the reference beam (<NUM>) during the scan synchronously with the scan rate to offset the variation in sample distance (SdL, Sdc, SdR) at each of the scan angles (Θ<NUM>, Θ<NUM>).