Fabrication and characterization of a solid polyurethane phantom for optical imaging through scattering media

A phantom based on a polyurethane system that replicates the optical proper ties of tissue for use in near-infrared imaging is described. The absorptio n properties of tissue are simulated by a dye that absorbs in the near infr ared, and the scattering properties are simulated by TiO2 particles. The sc attering and absorption coefficients of the plastic were measured with a ne w technique based on time-resolved transmission through two slabs of materi als that have different thicknesses. An image of a representative phantom w as obtained from time-gated transmission. (C) 1999 Optical Society of Ameri ca.