title: Monte Carlo simulations related to gas-based optical diagnosis of human sinusitis.
abstract: We investigate the feasibility of using diode laser gas spectroscopy for sinusitis diagnostics. We simulate light propagation using the Monte Carlo concept, as implemented by the Advanced Systems Analysis Program (ASAP) software. Simulations and experimental data are compared for a model based on two scattering bodies representing human tissue, with an air gap in-between representing the sinus cavity. Simulations are also performed to investigate the detection geometries used in the experiments, as well as the influence of the optical properties of the scattering bodies. Finally, we explore the possibility of performing imaging measurements of the sinuses. Results suggest that a diagnostic technique complementary to already existing ones could be developed.
authors.affiliation: Lund University, Atomic Physics Division, Department of Physics, P.O. Box 118, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden. linda.persson@fysik.lth.se
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Persson
authors.forename: Elias
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kristensson
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Simonsson
authors.forename: Sune
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Svanberg
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008954:Models, Biological; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis*; D010256:Paranasal Sinuses / Q000378:metabolism*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012666:Semiconductors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism*; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D009584:Nitrogen