Characterizing tissue optical properties using confocal and low-coherence imaging

Steven L. Jacques, Daniel S. Gareau

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The signal from a confocal measurement as the focal volume is scanned down into a tissue yields an exponential deeay versus depth (z_rbeus), signal = rho exp(-mu z_focus), where rho [dimcnsionless] is the local reflectivity and mu [I/cm] is an attenuation coefficient, A simple theory for how rho and mu depend on the optical properties of scattering (mu_s) and anisotropy (g) is presented. Experimental measurements on 5 tissue types from mice (white and gray matter of brain, skin, liver, muscle) as well as 0.1-μm-dia. polystyrene microspheres are presented. The tissues have similar mu_s values (about 500 [I/cm]) but variable g values (0.8-0.99). Anisotropy appears to be the primary mechanism of contrast for confocal measurements such as reflectance-mode confocal scanning laser microscopy (rCLSM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). While fluorescence imaging depends on fluorophores, and absorption imaging depends on chromophores, the results of this study suggest that contrast of confocal imaging of biological tissues depends primarily on anisotropy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006
EventOptical Interactions with Tissue and Cells XVII - San Jose, CA, United States
Duration: Jan 23 2006Jan 25 2006

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume6084
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherOptical Interactions with Tissue and Cells XVII
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Jose, CA
Period1/23/061/25/06

Keywords

  • Anisotropy
  • Confocal microscopy
  • Optical coherence tomography
  • Optical imaging
  • Optical properties
  • Tissue optics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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