Dynamic OCE measurement of the Biomechanical Properties of Gelatin Phantom and Mouse Cornea in vivo

摘要

Here we demonstrate our use of phase stabilized swept-source optical coherence elastography (PhS-SSOCE) to assess elastic wave propagation in gelatin phantoms. From these measurements, Young's moduli of the samples were determined. Low-amplitude (<10μm) mechanical waves were introduced using a focused air pulse on gelatin of different concentrations. Elastic wave amplitude and velocity were measured at multiple points on the phantom surface using a phase-resolved method. The results demonstrate that this method is capable of resolving very small changes in wave amplitude (～ 10 nm) as well as differences in wave velocity due to material stiffness. We further demonstrate use of this method for measurements with a contact lens, a silicone eye model and with the eye of an 18-month-old mouse in vivo. This non-destructive, non-invasive measurement system produces minimal tissue excitation and has high measurement sensitivity. These traits make this make this method useful for in vivo study of the biomechanical properties of ocular and other tissues.