How to optimize OCT image

Quantization, which maps real values of raw data to a series of fixed gray levels, is an inevitable step in Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) image f ormation. Three new quantization methods, Minimum Distortion, Information E xpansion and Maximum Entropy are applied in the specific problem. Quantizat ion results of a capillary with milk and the femoralis of rabbit are shown in this paper. Comparisons with the present log-based methods show that a s uitable quantization method significantly increases contrast, SNR and visua l fineness of the final image and reduces quantization error effectively. A pplicability of different quantization methods is also discussed. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America.