title: Tagging photons with gold nanoparticles as localized absorbers in optical measurements in turbid media.
abstract: We analyze a role of a localized inclusion as a probe for spatial distributions of migrating photons in turbid media. We present new experimental data and two-dimensional analysis of radiance detection of a localized absorptive inclusion formed by gold nanoparticles in Intralipid-1% when the target is translated along the line connecting the light source and detector. Data are analyzed using the novel analytical expression for the relative angular photon distribution function for radiance developed by extending the perturbation approach for fluence. Obtained photon maps allow predicting conditions for detectability of inclusions for which proximity to the detector is essential.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI C1A4P3, Canada ; Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Physics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H3J5, Canada.
authors.forename: Serge
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grabtchak
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI C1A4P3, Canada.
authors.forename: Kristen B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Callaghan
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI C1A4P3, Canada ; Atlantic Veterinary College, Charlottetown, PEI C1A4P3, Canada.
authors.forename: William M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Whelan
keywords: (170.3660) Light propagation in tissues; (170.6510) Spectroscopy, tissue diagnostics; (170.7050) Turbid media; (290.4210) Multiple scattering