Imaging through biological tissues by use of optical low-coherence heterodyne detection technique

Abstract

A coherent detection imaging system has been modified to employ a super-luminescent diode as low-coherence optical source for optical imaging through strongly scattering media such as biological tissues. By appropriately fixing the coherence gating, the system is able to selectively detect the coherent components of transmitted light. Using this system we have demonstrated the feasibility of optical heterodyne detection method in discriminating against the diffuse photons. The unique applications of low-coherence heterodyne detection in transillumination imaging that may potentially yield useful diagnostic information on tissue structures are also presented.