We present theoretical calculations and experimental imaging results that demonstrate the possibility of extending viewing distances through blood simply by selection of an ‘optimal’ illuminating wavelength and use of a camera with appropriate parameters. Based on a simple one-dimensional model of image signal formation and employing Kubelka- Munk theory of light transport in a turbid medium, we derive an analytical expression that describes the effect of optical properties of the medium and camera parameters on image signal. Experimental images of an artificial target placed behind a sample of human blood of different thickness taken in transmission and reflection modes confirm the predicted imaging possibilities. An optical-difference offset technique developed to enhance image contrast is demonstrated as well.

Date Published: 17 June 2002
PDF: 11 pages
Proc. SPIE 4609, Lasers in Surgery: Advanced Characterization, Therapeutics, and Systems XII, (17 June 2002); doi: 10.1117/12.431785

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 4609:
Lasers in Surgery: Advanced Characterization, Therapeutics, and Systems XII
Lawrence S. Bass M.D.; Eugene A. Trowers M.D.; Kenneth Eugene Bartels D.V.M.; Udayan K. Shah M.D.; David S. Robinson M.D.; Lawrence S. Bass M.D.; Kenton W. Gregory M.D.; Kenneth Eugene Bartels D.V.M.; Lawrence S. Bass M.D.; Brian Jet-Fei Wong M.D.; Hans-Dieter Reidenbach; Lloyd P. Tate V.D.M.; Nikiforos Kollias; Abraham Katzir; Timothy A. Woodward M.D.; Werner T.W. de Riese; George M. Peavy D.V.M.; Werner T.W. de Riese; Kenton W. Gregory M.D.; Michael D. Lucroy D.V.M.; Abraham Katzir; Nikiforos Kollias; Michael D. Lucroy D.V.M.; Reza S. Malek M.D.; George M. Peavy; Hans-Dieter Reidenbach; David S. Robinson M.D.; Udayan K. Shah M.D.; Lloyd P. Tate V.D.M.; Eugene A. Trowers M.D.; Brian Jet-Fei Wong M.D.; Timothy A. Woodward M.D., Editor(s)