Depth estimation and image improvement of fluorescent objects in scattering medium with unknown optical parameters

The depth of fluorescent source is required to suppress the scattering effect in transcutaneous fluorescent imaging. We have developed a technique to estimate the depth using two light sources. However, with this technique, the reduced scattering coefficient (μ_s´) and the absorption coefficient (μ_a) of the scattering medium have to be known a priori. To eliminate this requirement, we devised a technique that uses three excitation sources. The feasibility of the proposed technique was verified in both computer simulation and experiment. It was demonstrated that we could estimate the depth of the fluorescent source and improve the fluorescent image even with μ_s´ and μ_a variation.