Multimodal retinal imaging via OCT multi-volume averaging and two photon excited fluorescence

Advancements in optical imaging are needed to study vision robbing diseases. New technology can be developed using animal models, which can progress the understanding of both retinal function, and that of novel imaging methods. Fluorescence is a convenient source of contrast in the retina due to the relative ease of introducing extrinsic fluorophores, as well as its various opportunities for autofluorescence. two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) is a suitable modality of this, but its need for high incident powers arises concerns of damaging the retina. A pulsed laser coupled with high numerical aperture and adaptive optics aids to lower the required power, but sample motion remains an issue. In this thesis, I present on improvements made to a TPEF imaging system, as well as an algorithm that utilizes co-acquired optical coherence tomography (OCT) to aid in motion correction.