Abstract

The optical properties of tissue are of interest in the development of new medical laser applications. Optical mammography, i.e. transillumination imaging of female breast to identify malignant lesions, is a diagnostic technique based on differences in the optical properties between tumours and normal healthy breast tissue. The wavelength region with the optimal properties for light penetration, spatial resolution and best diagnostic potential for this technique still has to be defined. In this investigation the absorption and reduced scattering coefficient for breast tissue has been measured in the wavelength range from 600 to 800 nm. These coefficients were derived by fitting the time-dispersion curve of the diffusely scattered light exiting the tissue, following illumination with short pulses, to analytical and numerical photon propagation models. By using femtosecond white light, the entire wavelength range could be covered simultaneously.

© 1996 IEEE