OCTtutkimusta

OCTtutkimusta is Finnish for research on optical coherence tomography, a non-invasive imaging technique that produces high-resolution cross-sectional images of biological tissue by measuring interference of light. Using low-coherence, near-infrared light, OCT achieves micrometer-scale resolution with penetration ranging from fractions of a millimeter to a few millimeters, depending on tissue properties. The method emerged in the early 1990s, with foundational work leading to the development of spectral-domain OCT and swept-source OCT, which increased imaging speed and depth. OCT enables visualization of microstructure in living tissue at sub-millimeter scales and has become a cornerstone of biomedical imaging research.

OCTtutkimusta encompasses hardware, software, and methodological innovations. Key areas include faster scanning and higher sensitivity, three-dimensional imaging, and motion correction to improve image quality in vivo. Functional extensions and variants are actively studied, such as polarization-sensitive OCT, which measures tissue birefringence; Doppler OCT, which detects flow; and OCT angiography (OCT-A), which images microvasculature without dye. Multimodal approaches combine OCT with other imaging modalities (for example fluorescence or photoacoustic imaging) to enhance contrast and information content. Advances in light sources (superluminescent diodes, broadband lasers) and detection methods, as well as image analysis with artificial intelligence, are also central themes of current research.

Applications of OCTtutkimusta span several medical fields. In ophthalmology, OCT is routine for assessing the retina, optic nerve head, and cornea, and for guiding surgery and treatment decisions. In dermatology, dentistry, gastroenterology, cardiology, and oncology, OCT research explores tissue characterization, disease monitoring, and image-guided interventions. Limitations include limited penetration in highly scattering tissues, depth-dependent sensitivity loss, motion artifacts, and cost, with ongoing work aimed at expanding depth, speed, contrast, and functional information while ensuring safety.