Large depth, ultrahigh resolution, ultrahigh speed PS-OCT for burn assessment

Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) is an imaging modality used to assess burn wound by imaging the collagen of the human skin. Agiltron propose an ultrahigh speed, ultrahigh resolution, and deep depth PS-OCT system using novel tunable laser technology. The PS-OCT imager will feature a portable design with a turn-key OCT engine and a fiber-guided handheld sample scanner. The ultrahigh resolution will enable imaging differentiation of epidermis and dermis at different skin locations with a dramatic variety of epidermis thickness. The ultrahigh speed will eliminate imaging motion artifacts and facilitate real-time imaging. The portable system enables on-site battlefield diagnosis. The well-matched depth will enable assessments of burn depth, particularly for partial-thickness burn. In particular, our system will implement polarization sensitivity for evaluation of collagen health as the specific burn biomarker. Objective and quantitative analysis will be performed by measurements of the birefringence phase retardation slope. The technical approach will be proven in Phase I through the system design and experimental testing. Completed PS-OCT system will be produced in Phase II for delivery to OSD.