Integrating the digitized backscattered image to measure absorption and reduced-scattering coefficients in vivo.

Measurement of absorption and reduced-scattering optical coefficients microa and micros' is possible when a steady-state backscattered image is used on a sample surface. A new method for processing the backscattered image, acquired with a CCD, has been developed. The image is integrated to decrease sensitivity to noise. The resulting curve is defined as the integral reflectance. The curve is then fitted with a relaxation model to evaluate microa and micros'. We have validated the method with calibrated scattering and absorption phantoms. The integral reflectance method is then applied to measurements of the microa and micros' coefficients of human skin in vivo.