Fully automated large-area OCT scanning procedure for a combined OCT-Raman system

We present a fully automated large-area OCT imaging procedure with real-time refocusing integrated with a combined OCT-Raman system. Scanning along the x-axisis achieved using a single galvanometer paired with a telecentric lens. Scanning along the y-axis is accomplished by translating a sample with a motorised horizontal stage over a much larger lateral size. The same translation stage is also moved along the y-axis to repeat the scanning over connecting columns. Automated refocusing at equidistant intervals along the y-axis is performed using a motorised vertical stage, which carries the combined OCT-Raman imaging head. We also perform spatial calibration between the OCT and Raman optics to enable automated focusing of the Raman optics onto the sample surface. The procedure is validated on a large 5 cm × 5 cm biological sample, with assessment of scanning time and other imaging parameters. A surface map is generated to guide the subsequent Raman measurements, and a targeted Raman measurement is performed on selected sites on the sample. This combined OCT-Raman system is designed for fully automated intra-operative breast cancer diagnosis, integrating OCT imaging, AI-based classification, and Raman spectroscopy.