Optical design and applications of endoscopic optical coherence tomography probe with large field of view

This study addresses the limitations of existing endoscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT) probes in field of view (FOV), resolution, and dimensions constraints by proposing a novel design for a large-FOV forward-scanning endoscopic probe. The probe employs an optical system comprising six spherical lenses with an outer diameter of 1.4 mm, integrated with piezoelectric ceramic-driven fiber scanning technology. Operating in the 1000-1100 nm wavelength range, it achieves a scanning FOV of 6.0 mm, a lateral resolution of 24 μm, and an axial resolution of 20 μm, while maintaining a compact mechanical outer diameter of merely 1.6 mm. A swept-source OCT system was developed to validate the probe’s performance through imaging experiments on ex vivo porcine eyes. Results demonstrate the probe’s capability to clearly distinguish iris, sclera, and retinal structures, as well as visualize retinal detachment phenomena. Comparative analyses with graded-index lens probes reveal superior FOV expansion and reduced imaging artifacts. The study confirms that this probe effectively integrates miniaturization, high-resolution imaging, and large-FOV advantages, providing a new solution for ophthalmic minimally invasive surgical navigation. Future research could focus on further reducing the outer diameter and integrating two-dimensional scanning functionality to enhance its clinical potential.