Time-resolved reflectance measurements on layered tissues with strongly varying optical properties

Andreas H. Hielscher, Hanli Liu, Lihong V. Wang, Frank K. Tittel, Britton Chance, Steven L. Jacques

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

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Most biological tissues consist of layers with different optical properties. A few examples are the skin, the esophagus, the stomach and the wall of arteries. An understanding of how the light propagates in such layered systems is a prerequisite for any light based therapy or diagnostic scheme. In this study we investigate the influence of different kinds of layers on time resolved reflectance measurements. Experiments were performed on layered gel phantoms and the results compared to Monte Carlo simulations and diffusion theory. It is shown that when a low absorbing medium is situated on top of a high absorbing medium, the absorption coefficient of the lower layer is accessible if the differences in the absorption coefficient are only small. In the case of large difference the optical properties of the upper layer dominate the signal and shield information on the lowest layer. The degree of this shielding effect depends on layer thickness as well as optical properties. In the case of an almost absorption and scattering free layer in between two normal tissues, an overall increase of the signal is visible. However, the overall shape of the curve is about preserved. The apparent scattering coefficient is slightly decreased, while the apparent absorption coefficient is unaltered.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationLaser Interaction with Hard and Soft Tissue II
EditorsThomas H. Meier, Hans Joerg Albrecht, Martin J. C. van Gemert, Rudolf W. Steiner, Lars Othar Svaasand, Guy P. Delacretaz
PublisherSPIE
Pages351-359
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9780819416568
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 18 1995
Externally publishedYes
EventLaser Interaction with Hard and Soft Tissue II 1994 - Lille, France
Duration: Sep 6 1994Sep 10 1994

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume2323
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Other

OtherLaser Interaction with Hard and Soft Tissue II 1994
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityLille
Period9/6/949/10/94

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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