Determination of the Asymmetry Parameter and Scattering Coefficient of Turbid Media from Spatially Resolved Reflectance Measurements

We present a technique for determining the asymmetry parameter and scattering coefficient of turbid media from spatially resolved reflectance measurements. This technique will contribute to the development of medical applications in which it is necessary to predict the distribution and propagation of light in tissue. Based on Monte Carlo simulations, we derived correlations which relate the reduced scattering coefficient and the asymmetry parameter to the relative reflectance curve. Initial estimates of the optical properties are obtained from these correlations. Final values are obtained by adjusting the optical parameters and repeating the Monte Carlo simulations until the simulated reflectance pattern matches the measured reflectance pattern. Preliminary experimental results indicate that this technique can be used to determine the asymmetry parameter to within 10% and the reduced scattering coefficient to within 5%.