Simulation study for cross-sectional absorption distribution in turbid medium using spatially resolved backscattered light with lateral scanning and one-dimensional solution of nonlinear inverse problem

Abstract

Abstract For a practical technique of cross-sectional imaging of animal bodies, we developed a new method using spatially resolved backscattered light. This method is based on the solution of the one-dimensional nonlinear inverse problem, and on the lateral scan of the source–detector pair along the object surface. Using this method, unknown variables in inverse problems can be reduced more greatly than when using conventional methods. A stable solution for the inverse problem becomes possible. The possibility of using the proposed method was assessed using simulation analysis. The results verified that cross-sectional imaging from several to 10 millimeter depths is possible for animal tissue. This analysis clarified the specific spatial resolution and accuracy in the estimated absorption coefficient. Distortionless imaging was confirmed. Results suggest that the proposed method represents new options as a stable and practical method for biological cross-sectional imaging.