Non-planar calibration phantoms for optical coherence tomography

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is increasingly used in areas such as ophthalmology and contact lens metrology. However, in such cases, image distortion can occur due to the non-planar nature of the measured sample. Postprocessing algorithms can be implemented to correct this distortion. Here we present an OCT phantom designed to confirm the validity of post-processing algorithms used for measuring curved surfaces. A multi-purpose OCT phantom has been created within a fused silica plano-convex lens using the direct femtosecond laser writing technique. This phantom can be used to calibrate and quantitatively assess the performance (e.g. resolution, sensitivity and distortion) of OCT systems and associated post-processing algorithms for curved structures such as lenses. This novel OCT phantom has been characterized using an optical microscope and OCT systems.