Photonic Innovations in Optical Coherence Tomography

Dear Colleagues,

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has revolutionized biomedical imaging since its inception, providing non-invasive, high-resolution, cross-sectional images of biological tissues. As a photonics-based technology, OCT continues to benefit from rapid advances in light sources, detectors, optical components, and signal processing techniques. The integration of novel photonic technologies—including swept-source lasers, photonic integrated circuits, adaptive optics, and computational imaging methods—has enabled unprecedented improvements in imaging speed, resolution, depth penetration, and functional capabilities. These innovations have expanded OCT applications beyond ophthalmology and cardiology to dermatology, gastroenterology, oncology, and industrial inspection, making it one of the most versatile optical imaging modalities.

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue focusing on the latest photonic innovations that are advancing OCT technology and applications.

This Special Issue aims to showcase cutting-edge research in photonic technologies that enhances OCT performance and enables new imaging capabilities. The scope encompasses fundamental advances in OCT light sources, novel optical designs, photonic integrated circuits for OCT, advanced signal processing algorithms, and emerging OCT modalities. This collection aligns perfectly with the Photonics journal's mission to publish high-impact research in optical sciences and photonic technologies. We aim to gather at least 10 high-quality articles that represent the forefront of OCT innovation and demonstrate how photonic advances are pushing the boundaries of biomedical and industrial imaging.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Advanced light sources for OCT (swept-source lasers or supercontinuum sources);
• Photonic integrated circuits and silicon photonics for miniaturized OCT systems;
• Novel OCT modalities (polarization-sensitive OCT, OCT angiography, spectroscopic OCT, and visible light OCT);
• Adaptive optics and computational adaptive optics for aberration correction;
• Deep learning and AI-enhanced image reconstruction and analysis;
• Multi-modal imaging combining OCT with other photonic techniques;
• Functional extensions of OCT (elastography, thermography, and molecular imaging);
• High-speed OCT systems and real-time processing architectures;
• Novel contrast mechanisms and molecular-specific imaging;
• Clinical and industrial applications enabled by photonic innovations.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Chao Xu
Dr. Yan Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Photonics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.