Wide dynamic range Digital Aberrometry and MHz OCT demonstrated in Eurostars DOCTA Project
DOCTA project
We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of the DOCTA project, a groundbreaking initiative co-financed by the Eurostars programme. The project aimed to develop a novel OCT + digital aberrometry system that provides wavefront error information in addition to full eye anatomical imaging.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is widely recognized for its non-invasive imaging capabilities in biomedical applications, especially in ophthalmology. It generates cross-sectional and volumetric images by measuring backscattered light. The technique offers high precision with decoupled axial and lateral resolution.
One challenge is achieving a wide lateral imaging range with sufficient depth while maintaining a high volume rate. Innovations like MEMS-VCSELs combine single-mode operation, long-range coherence, and mass production advantages, making them suitable for commercialization.
Proof of principle dual modality OCT + DWA
The DOCTA project achieved proof in principle of a dual-modality OCT and Digital Wavefront Aberrometry (DWS) with a dynamic measurement range of defocus up to 20 Diopters[1]. This was made possible by OCTLIGHT MHz electrically pumped vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) swept source and incorporating a Badal-like defocus compensation in the design. The fiber-based system adopts easy switching between an MHz OCT channel and a digital wavefront aberrometry (DWA) channel, making it a dual-modality system capable of fast OCT imaging and aberration measurement. Such a system capable of providing both refractive errors and corneal anatomic information would be desired in clinical care, especially for precise treatment planning of refractive error-related eye diseases.
For more detailed insights into the technological advancements and research findings of the DOCTA project, we invite you to read the article titled “Wide Dynamic Range Digital Aberration Measurement and Fast Anterior-Segment OCT Imaging” published in MDPI’s Sensors journal. This article, authored by Mengyuan Ke, Abhishek Kumar, Thor E. Ansbæk, and Rainer A. Leitgeb, provides an in-depth look at the dual-modality MHz VCSEL-based swept-source OCT system developed during the project.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all partners and stakeholders involved in the Eurostars DOCTA project for their unwavering support and dedication. Together, we have achieved a significant milestone in advancing eye care technology.
We invite you to explore novel applications
We invite innovators to work on other uses cases for this unique technology such as within optical systems design and quality assurance, laser technology and novel applications.
[1] Digital Wavefront Aberrometry (DWS) is the patented technology of Wavesense Engineering
Contact Information:
Thor Ersted Ansbæk
CEO, OCTLIGHT
Diplomvej 381
2800 Kgs. Lyngby
Denmark
Tel: +45 53862737
Email: thor@octlight.com
Further Information:
Ke, Mengyuan, Abhishek Kumar, Thor E. Ansbæk, and Rainer A. Leitgeb. 2024. “Wide Dynamic Range Digital Aberration Measurement and Fast Anterior-Segment OCT Imaging †” Sensors 24, no. 16: 5161. https://doi.org/10.3390/s24165161
