Absorption Coefficient Measurements of Strongly Scattering Media Using Time-Resolved Transmittance of a Short Pulse in Near-Infrared (NIR) Wavelength Range

Abstract

Absorption coefficient measurements of strongly scattering and weakly absorbing media have been performed using time resolved transmittance of a 100 fs pulse through a 30 mm slab containing latex spheres suspended in water and absorbing ink solutions. The scattering and absorption coefficients were selected so that the optical properties of the media were similar to those of biological tissues. Measured curves of time-resolved transmittance of the pulse through the media were used to estimate the optical properties of the media. The experiment was made at two different wavelengths, 784 nm and 810 nm. Estimated absorption coefficients were in good agreement with those measured in a nonscattering case by a spectrophotometer.