Experimental three-dimensional fluorescence reconstruction of diffuse media by use of a normalized Born approximation

We present a normalized Born expansion that facilitates fluorescence recons tructions in turbid, tissue-like media. The algorithm can be particularly u seful for tissue investigations of fluorochrome distribution in vivo, since it does not require absolute photon-field measurements or measurements bef ore contrast-agent administration. This unique advantage can be achieved on ly in fluorescence mode. We used this algorithm to three-dimensionally imag e and quantify an indocyanine fluorochrome phantom, using a navel fluoresce nce tomographic imager developed for animals. (C) 2001 Optical Society of A merica.