Axicons for Improved Resolution and Depth of Focus in Adaptive Optics Scanning Light Ophthalmoscopy

Authors

Ruth E. Woehlke, Marquette University
Robert F. Cooper, Marquette UniversityFollow

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.

Comments

Accepted version. Biomedical Optics Express, Vol. 16, No. 8 (August 2025): 3172-3193. DOI. © 2025 Optical Society of America. Used with permission.

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