Optical Heterodyne Imaging Through Turbid Media at 1.3 µm Wavelength

Using a frequency-shifted CW optical homodyne technique with a 1.3 µm diode laser source, we have imaged through 50 mm thick 0.33% intralipid solutions with millimeter resolution. These results, achieved with a useful single-mode power of 0.5 mW, can be further improved by using higher power and enhanced detection sensitivity. The projected capabilities of this technique show promising potential for high-resolution, subsurface optical imaging for medical applications.