Optical imaging through scattering media: fit to an inhomogeneous diffusion model for differentiation
AssigneeAerospace Research Technologies, Inc.
InventorsYves Painchaud, Michel Morin, Andre Parent
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Abstract
A method of optical imaging through a scattering medium is provided in which a fit is made to an inhomogeneous diffusion model. The method facilitates good differentiation between scattering and absorption. The variation of the diffusion curve associated with the presence of an inclusion is considered rather than the diffusion curve itself. An empirical model is provided which describes the variation of the diffusion curve. A linear curve fitting process is performed to provide two parameters, one parameter associated with the scattering property of the inclusion and the other parameter associated with the absorption property of the inclusion.
Claims14
A method of differentiation between scattering and absorption in a scattering medium having a scattering property and an absorption property, comprising the steps of:
- measuring time-dependent diffusion curves through a thick scattering medium for a set of sample positions with respect to a laser beam and point detection;
- calculating time-dependent quantities, based on said diffusion curves, representing variations of said diffusion curves from sample positions, from one sample position to a next sample position;
- providing an empirical model describing said quantities;
- performing a curve fitting process to obtain a first parameter relating to a variation of said scattering property of a local heterogeneity and a second parameter relating to a variation of said absorption property of said local heterogeneity;
- said first and second parameters being defined by said empirical model;
- and
- plotting spatial distribution of said first and second parameters resulting from said curve fitting process.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.