We report on a theoretical/experimental model to predict the depth sensitivity of laser Doppler perfusion imager. Further more we show the quantitative influence of speckles on laser Doppler perfusion imager response to scattering at different depths. The model is based on Monte Carlo simulations and experiments on static and dynamic scattering phantoms made of polystyrene microspehers. The experimental results are in good agreement with our theoretical predictions. The results show that the depth sensitivity of the laser Doppler perfusion imager is influenced by the speckles. The effects are big, especially when a narrow beam is used for measurement. We propose that a correction method should be developed based on speckle size in order to have a reliable blood perfusion information independent of tissue optical properties.

Date Published: 14 February 2007
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 6445, Optical Diagnostics and Sensing VII, 644506 (14 February 2007); doi: 10.1117/12.698519

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 6445:
Optical Diagnostics and Sensing VII
Gerard L. Coté; Alexander V. Priezzhev, Editor(s)