Advanced FFT-based contrast approach for MHz optical coherence elastography

Optical coherence elastography represents mechanical characteristics of biological tissue in so-called mechanical contrast maps. In addition to the standard intensity image, the contrast map illustrates numerous mechanical tissue features that would otherwise be undetectable. This is of great interest as abnormal physiological changes influence the mechanical behavior of the tissue. We demonstrate an advanced mechanical contrast approach based on the phase signal of our 3.2 MHz optical coherence tomography system. The robustness and performance of this contrast approach is evaluated and discussed based on preliminary results.