Single board computer and adapted 3D-printed case-based low cost and compact optical coherence tomography

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive, label-free imaging method based on high-resolution interferometric optics that allows real-time visualization of morphological structures and depth-resolved images. The high cost of most commercially available OCT systems limits their widespread use, especially in resource-poor settings. Miniaturization of OCT devices therefore reduces not only size but also cost and has the potential to open new markets for this technology. In this study, we developed a small, portable 3D printed OCT system (SBC-OCT) based on a single-board computer. To reduce the cost to configure the system, the whole case of SBC-OCT is made with 3D-printed architecture. Using an area camera to avoid thermally induced alignment distortions in the spectrometer during system operation, the spectrometer is temperature insensitive, requires no hardware changes or additional components, and requires minimal computational effort. An applied automatic signal correction method was developed. The smaller size, lighter weight, and lower cost of SBC-OCT highlight its significant relevance in medical, industrial, and security applications, showcasing its potential for broad adoption.