Utilizing Optical Phantoms for Biomedical-optics Technology: Recent Advances and Challenges

Optical phantoms are essential in optical imaging and measurement instruments for performance evaluation, calibration, and quality control. They enable precise measurement of image resolution, accuracy, sensitivity, and contrast, which are crucial for both research and clinical diagnostics. This paper reviews the recent advancements and challenges in phantoms for optical coherence tomography, photoacoustic imaging, digital holographic microscopy, optical diffraction tomography, and oximetry tools. We explore the fundamental principles of each technology, the key factors in phantom development, and the evaluation criteria. Additionally, we discuss the application of phantoms used for enhancing optical-image quality. This investigation includes the development of realistic biological and clinical tissue-mimicking phantoms, emphasizing their role in improving the accuracy and reliability of optical imaging and measurement instruments in biomedical and clinical research.