Abstract

The fundamental advantages and virtues of the optical heterodyne technique are fairly well recognized, and its use is extensive. An optical heterodyne system is understood to be both a receiver and an antenna.¹ Its antenna properties can provide not only high spatial resolution for image formation but also excellent directivity to distinguish one specific direction from another. The technique we propose utilizes the optical heterodyne method to achieve image detection in highly scattering media and also to evaluate the capability of image resolution in comparison with the conventional detection methods. The spatial distribution of light in biological tissues and substances is determined by their optical absorption and scattering characteristics. As far as we are aware, no experimental study to use the advantages of the optical heterodyne method have been reported until now for these biological measurements.

© 1989 Optical Society of America