Optical Epidermal Mimicry from Ultraviolet to Infrared Wavelengths

Optical tissue phantoms present substantial value for medical imaging and therapeutic applications. We have developed an epidermal tissue phantom to mimic the optical properties of human skin from the ultraviolet to the infrared region, exceeding the breadth of existing studies. An epoxy matrix is combined with melanin-mimicking polydopamine via a cost-effective fabrication strategy. Reflectance and transmittance measurements enable calculation of the wavelength-dependent complex refractive index and absorption coefficient. Results are compared with literature data to establish agreement with a real human epidermis. By analyzing emissive power at a typical skin temperature, the epidermal tissue phantom is shown to accurately mimic the radiative properties of human skin. This simple, multifunctional material represents a promising substitute for human tissue for a variety of medical and bioengineering applications.