Full-range, high-speed, high-resolution 1 μm spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with BM-scan method for the human posterior eye imaging

High-speed, high-resolution full-range 1 μm spectral-domain optical coherence tomography has been demonstrated. The axial resolution of 7 μm and the depth range of 2.6 mm in tissue are achieved with the line rate of 46,900 Hz. The sensitivity of 98 dB is obtained with full-range imaging. These parameters are comparable or superior than those of commercially available ophthalmic instruments. Three dimensional structures of the retina and the choroid are visualized with the high axial resolution. High penetration property of 1 μm wavelength band in the deeper region of the posterior human eye enable high-contrast imaging of the choroid. In addition to that, vessels outer the choroid are visualized.