Optimal extraction of optical coefficients from scattering media

An analysis is presented of the accuracy with which the optical coefficient s of scattering media may be measured. The results have application for com paring performance of different optical arrangements and optimising experim ental configurations. The analysis is applicable to distributed data such a s temporal, spatial or angular intensities from which measurables are obtai ned. The relationship between optical coefficients and these measurables ma y be obtained through use of analytical models or Monte Carlo simulations. The measured distributions are characterised here by first and second norma lised moments, and applied to the case of measuring the spatial distributio n of intensity transmitted through a slab of scattering media. The analysis is used to establish the optimum slab thickness for extraction of the abso rption coefficient. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.