How to optimize OCT image.

Quantization, which maps real values of raw data to a series of fixed gray levels, is an inevitable step in Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) image formation. Three new quantization methods, Minimum Distortion, Information Expansion and Maximum Entropy are applied in the specific problem. Quantization results of a capillary with milk and the femoralis of rabbit are shown in this paper. Comparisons with the present log-based methods show that a suitable quantization method significantly increases contrast, SNR and visual fineness of the final image and reduces quantization error effectively. Applicability of different quantization methods is also discussed.