title: The spatial resolution performance of a time-resolved optical imaging system using temporal extrapolation.
abstract: Optical imaging methods are being explored as a potential means of screening for breast cancer. Previous investigations of time-resolved imaging techniques have suggested that due to the lack of photons with sufficiently small pathlengths, the spatial resolution achievable through a human breast would be unlikely to be better than a centimeter. Experimental results presented here indicate, however, that higher resolution may be achieved by extrapolating the measured temporal distribution of transmitted photons. This is performed using a least-squares fit between data and an analytic model of photon transport. The spatial resolution of a time-resolved imaging system was evaluated by measuring the edge response produced by an opaque mask embedded in the center of a 51-mm-thick, very highly scattering medium. The limiting spatial resolution was improved from about 13 mm to about 5 mm.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Physics, University College London, England.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Hebden
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: D T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Delpy
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D008327:Mammography / Q000592:standards*; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D008433:Mathematics; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009862:Online Systems; D013997:Time Factors