Supercontinuum source-based multi-contrast optical coherence tomography for rat retina imaging.

This study proposed an ultrahigh-resolution multi-contrast optical coherence tomography system integrated with fundus photography for in vivo retinal imaging of rodents. A supercontinuum light source was used in the system, providing an axial resolution of less than 3 mu m within 1.8 mm (in the tissue). Three types of tissue contrast based on backscattered intensity, phase retardation, and microvasculature at a capillary level can be simultaneously obtained using the proposed system. Pigmented Long-Evans, non-pigmented (albino) Sprague Dawley, and Royal College of Surgeons rats were imaged and compared. In vivo imaging results were validated with histology. (C) 2018 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing Agreement