Analysis of forward scattering of diffuse photon-density waves in turbid media: a diffraction tomography approach to an analytic solution.

We present a model of the forward problem for diffuse photon-density waves in a turbid medium containing a spherical inhomogeneity, using diffraction tomographic (DT) methods. Recently, by use of DT methods, the forward problem was investigated [Opt. Express 1, 6 (1997); www.osa.org] assuming weak perturbations from the background medium but an arbitrary inhomogeneity structure. We apply DT concepts to a forward problem solution that permits strong perturbations but requires a spherical inhomogeneity. We show that this model is consistent with previous DT results and discuss the application of this new model.