Extracting scattering coefficient and anisotropy factor of tissue using optical coherence tomography

Determination of tissue optical properties is important as it will lead to better design of optical diagnostic tools, improvement in laser therapy, photo dynamic therapy dosimetry, drug pharmacokinetics, etc. We have developed a theoretical model for OCT signal using Monte Carlo simulation that allows us to fit values extracted from the OCT signal, namely, reflectance, ρ, and the total optical attenuation coefficient, μt, to obtain optical properties of tissue (scattering coefficient, μs, and anisotropy factor, g). Using this method we have extracted optical properties of different tissue types, e.g., skin, muscle, liver, and brain of mouse. © 2012 Copyright Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)