A technique for discriminating between scattering and absorbing inclusions
located in the center of a scattering slab is presented. The technique is b
ased on an empirical model that provides a simple mathematical expression t
o describe the change in the time-resolved transmission resulting from the
presence of an inclusion. Experimental results from various configurations
show that the technique allows for proper recognition of the type of an inc
lusion whether it is scattering or absorbing. This technique is a significa
nt step toward tissue differentiation. (C) 1999 Optical Society of America.