Time-resolved reflectance at null source-detector separation: improving contrast and resolution in diffuse optical imaging

Phys Rev Lett. 2005 Aug 12;95(7):078101. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.95.078101. Epub 2005 Aug 8.

Abstract

We propose a novel approach to imaging in diffusive media based on time-resolved reflectance measurements at null source-detector separation. This approach yields better spatial resolution and contrast as compared to the classical approach, which typically employs a separation of 20-40 mm. Results are obtained by an analytical perturbation approach to diffusion theory and on Monte Carlo simulations. Practical implementation with state-of-the-art technology and performance of a complementary approach based on the use of small but not null source-detector separation are also discussed.