Validity of the diffusion approximation in bio-optical imaging

Bingquan Chen, Knut Stamnes, Jakob J. Stamnes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

52 Scopus citations

Abstract

Accurate numerical simulations based on rigorous radiative transfer theory are used to assess the validity of the diffusion approximation that is frequently used in bio-optical imaging. These simulations show that the error is large for a non-index-matched boundary between air and tissue. This weakness of the diffusion approximation underscores the need to understand how diffusion theory can be used to extract accurate values of tissue optical properties. A validity criterion for the diffusion approximation is established on the basis of the single-scattering albedo α and the asymmetry factor g for a slab with index-matched boundaries.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)6356-6366
Number of pages11
JournalApplied Optics
Volume40
Issue number34
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2001

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Validity of the diffusion approximation in bio-optical imaging'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this