Optical coherence imaging for monitoring of microscopic flow in biological samples

System design and implementation of a Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (FD-OCT) for microscopic flow monitoring is presented. The system is capable of capturing flow characteristics underneath the surface of biological samples at micrometer resolution. The high speed imaging capability allows for in vivo 3D mapping of microstructure of biological tissues as well as their microvasculature system. An image resolution of 10 microns over 1 mm depth from the sample surface and across a 10 mm × 10 mm lateral field-of-view is possible. The capability of the developed system for monitoring of flow activity within the heart of an African frog tadpole is demonstrated.