Time-resolved spectrally constrained method for the quantification of chromophore concentrations and scattering parameters in diffusing media

We have devised and experimentally validated, on tissue-simulating phantoms and in vivo, a time-resolved spectral fitting analysis for direct assessment of chromophore concentrations and scattering parameters. Experimental data have been acquired with a time-resolved broadband system based on supercontinuum light generated in a photonic crystal fiber and a 32 channel Time Correlated Single Photon Counting system. The novel method is more robust than conventional techniques, especially at low signal-to-noise ratio. © 2006 Optical Society of America.