Cross-sectional imaging of absorption distribution using backscattered light

For cross-sectional imaging of animal body using backscattered light, the measurement of depth-distribution of optical absorption is required. A technique has been developed to reconstruct the depth-distribution using the pulse shape of backscattered light obtained in a time-resolved measurement. In this technique, the temporal path-length distribution (TPD) in each arbitrary layer of the scattering object is essential. We have developed a technique to obtain this TPD in a measurement. The feasibility of the proposed technique was verified in a phantom experiment and the cross-sectional imaging with this technique was demonstrated.