Diffusely scattered white light examination of breast tissue

The optical properties of tissue are of interest in the development of new medical laser applications. Optical mammography is a diagnostic technique based on differences in the optical properties between tumors and normal healthy breast tissue. In this investigation, the absorption and reduced scattering coefficient for breast tissue has been measured in the wavelength range from 600 to 800 nm. These coefficients were derived by fitting the time-dispersion curve of the diffusively scattered light exiting the tissue, following illumination with short pulses, to analytical and numerical photo propagation models. By using femtosecond white light, the entire wavelength range could be covered simultaneously.