Axicons for Improved Resolution and Depth of Focus in Adaptive Optics Scanning Light Ophthalmoscopy
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-2025
Publisher
Optical Society of America
Source Publication
Biomedical Optics Express
Source ISSN
2156-7085
Original Item ID
DOI: 10.1364/BOE.564398
Abstract
Adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopes are instrumental for studying the eye, yet they use truncated Gaussian illumination and are limited by diffraction, restricting resolution and depth of focus (DOF). Non-diffractive Bessel beams have emerged as an alternative. Here, we use two axicons configured as: (1) an extended DOF beam for resolving multiple retinal layers; and (2) an annular beam for increasing lateral resolution. We compare both approaches to truncated Gaussian illumination using a variety of metrics. Using Configuration 1, we successfully observed multiple retinal layers simultaneously. Using Configuration 2, we observed enhanced lateral resolution but decreased signal-to-noise ratio.
Recommended Citation
Woehlke, Ruth E. and Cooper, Robert F., "Axicons for Improved Resolution and Depth of Focus in Adaptive Optics Scanning Light Ophthalmoscopy" (2025). Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications. 690.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/bioengin_fac/690
Comments
Biomedical Optics Express, Vol. 16, No. 8 (August 2025): 3172-3193. DOI.