Initial characterization of fast laser scanning optical CT apparatus for 3-D dosimetry

Laser scanning optical computed tomography (optical CT) is potentially a better technique for analyzing 3-D dosimeters than CCD based dosimetry due to the fact that narrow cone of light passing through the sample is not affected by the refractive index inhomogeneities of surrounding structures. We have previously demonstrated fast laser scanning of 3-D dosimeters using an optical arrangement borrowed from confocal microscopy. The main rationale for this design is that it guarantees good telecentricity at high scanning speeds. Here we demonstrate a number of advantages of this arrangement as compared to broadbeam optical CT based around CCD detectors. Additionally, we provide initial characterization of the apparatus in terms of signal-to-noise and dynamic range.