Abstract: A method of processing optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans through a subject's skin, the method comprising: receiving at least a plurality of OCT scans through the subject's skin (7), each scan representing an OCT signal in a slice through the subject's skin (7), with the plurality of OCT scans being spaced apart such that the OCT scans represent the OCT signal through a volume through the subject's skin; processing each OCT scan using a processor so as to so as to detect at least one three dimensional structure in the skin; classifying, using a processor, the structure as belonging to a class of a plurality of classes of structures; and outputting at least one of the structure and the class.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for processing optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans through a subject's skin, the method comprising, using a computing device (1): receiving a plurality of OCT scans through the subject's skin (7), the OCT scans representing an OCT signal in slices through the subject's tissue; processing the OCT scans to determine a set of parameters; processing each parameter to determine a set of control settings for an energy-delivery device (20); transmitting the control settings from the computing device (1) to the energy-delivery device (20); in which the set of parameters comprises the depth of the superficial plexus (108) through the subject's skin (7).

Abstract: A method of processing optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans through a subject's skin, the method comprising: receiving at least one OCT scan through the subject's skin, each scan representing an OCT signal in a slice through the subject's skin; processing each OCT scan so as to determine a set of parameters comprising at least a measure of the atrophy of the vascular structure in the epidermis; in which the processing produces a measurement of skin condition dependent upon each of the set of parameters, and the method comprises outputting the measurement of skin condition.

Abstract: A multi-beam interferometer, typically for use in Optical Coherence Tomography, comprising a multiple beam source, the source being arranged so as to provide, in use, a plurality of beams of light for use in the interferometer, the source comprising: a light source arranged to, in use, emit a beam of light; and a rattle plate comprising a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface facing one another, the second reflective surface being only partially reflective.

Abstract: An optical interference apparatus for carrying out Fourier domain optical coherence tomography. Multiple beams are provided and respective interferograms are recorded simultaneously for a plurality of different focal depths within a substance to be examined. Combined images are derived from the interferograms for a plurality of different focal depths, whereby a single image may be constructed with an increased depth of field. The axial spacing of the foci is calculated to take into account the Rayleigh range of the focal waist in the substance to be examined.

Abstract: A multi-beam interferometer, typically for use in Optical Coherence Tomography, comprising a multiple beam source, the source being arranged so as to provide, in use, a plurality of beams of light for use in the interferometer, the source comprising: a light source arranged to, in use, emit a beam of light; and a rattle plate comprising a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface facing one another, the second reflective surface being only partially reflective.

Abstract: An optical interference apparatus for carrying out Fourier domain optical coherence tomography including means to provide multiple beams whereby interferograms are recorded simultaneously for a plurality of different focal depths within a substance to be examined, each interferogram being provided by one of the multiple beams. Means are provided for combining images derived from said interferograms for a plurality of different focal depths, whereby a single image may be constructed with an increased depth of field. The axial spacing of the foci is calculated to take into account the Rayleigh range of the focal waist in the substance to be examined.