Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of volumetric imaging of a sample. The method comprises providing a plurality of depth images of a region of interest of the sample using a volumetric imaging system. The region of interest is below a surface area of interest of the sample. Each depth image is associated with a layer or slice of the region of interest and the plurality of depth images together forming a volumetric image of the region of interest. The method further comprises providing a surface image of the surface area of interest of the sample and identifying a surface image property of a surface feature of the surface area of interest. The method also comprises processing the plurality of depth images of the region of interest using the surface image property of the surface feature to improve a property of the depth images of the region of interest.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of evaluating a mechanical property of a material using a device for evaluating the mechanical property of the material. The device comprises a sensing layer having a thickness, a sensing surface and an opposite surface. The sensing layer is deformable such that, when the sensing surface is in direct or indirect contact with the material and a suitable load is applied across both the sensing layer and at least a portion of the material, the sensing layer deforms and the sensing surface moves relative to the opposite surface. The device also comprises a source of electromagnetic radiation in optical communication with the sensing layer. The source is arranged for generating electromagnetic radiation having a coherence length that is of the same order of magnitude as the thickness of the sensing layer or longer than the thickness of the sensing layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system for characterising first and second areas of interest of a material. The OCT system comprises first and second optical elements in use positioned at the first and second areas of interest of the material. The first and second optical elements are at least partially transmissive for electromagnetic radiation. The system further comprises first and second scanning heads in use positioned at the first and second optical elements, respectively, to receive electromagnetic radiation that has interacted with the material at the first and second areas of interest. In addition, the system comprises at least one detector optically coupled to the first and second scanning heads.