Radiative transfer equation for predicting light propagation in biological media: comparison of a modified finite volume method, the monte carlo technique, and an exact analytical solution

International audienceWe examine the accuracy of a modified finite volume method compared to analytical and Monte Carlosolutions for solving the radiative transfer equation. The model is used for predicting light propagation within atwo-dimensional absorbing and highly forward-scattering medium such as biological tissue subjected to a colli-mated light beam. Numerical simulations for the spatially resolved reflectance and transmittance are presentedconsidering refractive index mismatch with Fresnel reflection at the interface, homogeneous and two-layeredmedia. Time-dependent as well as steady-state cases are considered. In the steady state, it is found that themodified finite volume method is in good agreement with the other two methods. The relative differencesbetween the solutions are found to decrease with spatial mesh refinement applied for the modified finite volumemethod obtaining