Forward problem of time-resolved diffuse optical tomography considering biological tissue deformation

Abstract

Regularities of photon density normalized maximum (PDNM) movement in deformed and undeformed media with tissue like biological and mechanical properties are described. It has been demonstrated that in all homogeneous cases PDNM moves to the geometric center of the object, regardless of the presence or absence of deformation of the investigated object. In presence of a single absorbing inhomogeneity PDNM moves toward the point symmetric to its geometric center. In presence of a single scattering inhomogeneity PDNM moves toward the center of it. Diffuse transmittance intensity decay in undeformed objects is 8-10 % faster than in those with deformations.