Analytical method for localizing a fluorescent inclusion in a turbid medium.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Fluorescence Imaging
• Photonics

Background:

• Accurate localization of fluorescent inclusions in turbid media is crucial for various applications.
• Existing methods often require prior knowledge of optical properties or instrument response functions.
• Developing robust localization techniques for scattering environments remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel time-resolved method for localizing fluorescent inclusions in homogeneous turbid media.
• To validate the method's accuracy using theoretical calculations and experimental measurements.
• To demonstrate submillimeter localization precision without a priori knowledge.

Main Methods:

• Utilized time-resolved fluorescence measurements and calculated the mean time of fluorescence decay curves.
• Employed a differential processing approach to avoid dependence on fluorescence lifetime or instrument response function.
• Conducted experiments using liquid optical phantoms with embedded fluorescent inclusions.
• Immersion of illumination and detection optical fibers to achieve infinite medium geometry.

Main Results:

• The proposed method successfully localized fluorescent inclusions with submillimeter accuracy.
• Theoretical calculations were validated by experimental results.
• The differential approach proved effective in overcoming the need for prior knowledge of optical parameters.

Conclusions:

• A novel and accurate method for localizing fluorescent inclusions in turbid media has been developed.
• The technique's independence from a priori knowledge simplifies its application.
• This advancement holds potential for applications in biomedical imaging and material science.