Abstract

“Full-wave” models of OCT imaging systems based on Maxwell’s Equations are beginning to emerge as feasible alternatives to well established approximate models. These models are however computationally taxing when dealing with large samples. Here, in an effort to reduce the computational burden, we present a means of synthesizing full-wave scanning-mode OCT image formation using only a single simulation of a plane wave incident on a given sample medium. The method involves an angular spectrum approach which synthesizes the signal for arbitrary scan positions, and arbitrary illumination conditions. This is demonstrated to reduce the required simulation time by an order of magnitude when synthesizing OCT B-scans, as compared to previous methods which require a separate simulation for each scan position.

© 2019 SPIE/OSA