OBSERVATION OF PERIODIC FINE-STRUCTURE IN REFLECTANCE FROM BIOLOGICALTISSUE - A NEW TECHNIQUE FOR MEASURING NUCLEAR SIZE DISTRIBUTION

We report observation of a fine structure component in backscattered l ight from mucosal tissue which is periodic in wavelength. This structu re is ordinarily masked by a diffusive background. We have identified the origin of this component as being due to light which is Mie scatte red by surface epithelial cell nuclei. By analyzing the amplitude and frequency of the fine structure, the density and size distribution of these nuclei can be extracted. These quantities are important indicato rs of neoplastic precancerous changes in biological tissue.