Near Infrared Optical Coherence Tomography: Choosing the Best Spectrometer

10 Jul 2025

Explore non-contact, noninvasive imaging with NIR OCT and compare drop-in spectrometer options

Near infrared optical coherence tomography (NIR OCT) is a non-contact, noninvasive imaging technique that uses near infrared light to generate cross-sectional images from the light scattered back by a sample. It is widely used in ophthalmology for in-vivo retinal imaging, where it reveals structure beneath the surface of tissue, and has growing value in industrial applications like laser welding and machining, where it rapidly yields cross-sectional depth profiles of opaque materials. At Wasatch Photonics, we support these diverse applications with a line of high-sensitivity, low roll-off 800 nm OCT spectrometers—each designed to offer exceptional imaging performance and ease of integration. We’ve developed three distinct models to meet a range of needs in resolution, depth, and system design: the Cobra-S, Cobra OEM, and Cobra-D.

The Cobra-S is our original ‘research model’ spectrometer, proven in both academic and industrial settings. Launched in 2017, it has been widely adopted for applications including retinal and anterior chamber imaging, angiography, optical coherence elastography (OCE), and polarization-sensitive OCT (PS-OCT). It offers broad bandwidth options (60–300 nm), imaging depths from 1–7 mm in air, and a spectral resolution range of 0.03–0.15 nm. The Cobra-S continues to be cited extensively in the literature and serves as a trusted tool for researchers pushing the boundaries of OCT imaging.

The Cobra OEM delivers equivalent optical performance to the Cobra-S, but in a more compact and lightweight design tailored for OEM integration. It supports bandwidths from 90–180 nm and imaging depths of 2–4 mm, making it ideal for embedding in handheld devices or scanning probe heads used for laser weld monitoring and materials inspection. Built for thermal and mechanical stability, the Cobra OEM has been independently validated by several OCT system manufacturers and is optimized for cost-effective volume manufacture.

The Cobra-D represents a new level of performance in 800 nm OCT imaging. Designed with a proprietary optical architecture, it achieves greater imaging depths than any other spectrometer in its class—up to 12 mm in air—at a lower cost than 1050 or 1300 nm OCT systems. It offers ultra-high spectral resolution (0.015–0.04 nm) and supports bandwidths from 28–80 nm, enabling wide-field imaging of curved or irregular surfaces in a single scan. With its robust design and stable performance, the Cobra-D is ideal for critical applications in industrial process monitoring and long-range imaging.

Whether you have a new application or an existing system, let our expert team help you to find the ideal OCT spectrometer for your application. 

Learn more about our NIR OCT spectrometers

Wasatch Photonics
808 Aviation Parkway, Suite 1400
Morrisville, NC 27560 USA
www.wasatchphotonics.com
info@wasatchphotonics.com
Tel: +1 919-544-7785