Tunable multi-micro-lens system for high lateral resolution endoscopic optical coherence tomography

Abstract

A pneumatically actuated tunable liquid micro-lens is developed for integration in an endoscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT) system allowing dynamic focusing along the scan depth. An evaluation of the optical performance, particularly transverse resolution, is presented and its utility in OCT discussed. A transverse resolution of about 15 mum which does not vary with a scan depth of 9 mm scan depth has been obtained, performance which cannot be obtained with a fixed focal length lens.