A standard test method based on point spread function for three-dimensional imaging system

Point spread function (PSF) theory has been demonstrated as proof of concept in evaluation of spatial resolution of three dimensional imaging technology like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal microscopy. A robust test target and associated evaluation algorithm are in demand for keeping regular quality assurance and inter-comparison of such 3D imaging system performance. To achieve this goal, standard-size micro spheres were utilized to develop PSF phantoms. The OCT system was investigated with the microsphere PSF phantom. Differing from previous study, a statistical model comprising data from hundreds of scatterers was established to acquire the PSF distribution and variation. The research provided an effective method and a set of practical standard phantoms for evaluating resolution of three dimensional imaging modalities.