High-resolution 3D light fluence mapping for heterogeneous scattering media by localized sampling

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Photonics
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Accurate optical fluence mapping is crucial for understanding light propagation in biomedical tissues.
• Heterogeneous and highly scattering media, like biological tissues, present significant challenges for light transport characterization.
• Existing methods may lack the resolution or adaptability for complex, inhomogeneous light distributions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate an innovative concept for three-dimensional (3D) optical fluence mapping in heterogeneous, highly scattering media.
• To develop a method for spatially resolved light intensity distribution measurement under inhomogeneous light propagation.
• To provide local characterization of the optical transport medium.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the principle of relative light extinction analysis.
• Employed a direct fluence measurement setup with a miniaturized collection fiber.
• Validated system performance in optically thin scattering and absorption-dominated light transport regimes.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated successful 3D optical fluence mapping in challenging scattering media.
• Achieved good agreement between experimental results and theoretical expectations in extreme optical conditions.
• Successfully generated high-resolution fluence maps in a model study involving a closely spaced diode laser stack.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method offers a novel approach for accurate 3D optical fluence mapping in biomedical tissues.
• The system effectively characterizes light intensity distribution and local optical properties.
• This technique has potential applications in areas requiring precise light dosimetry and imaging in scattering environments.