Analysis of a diffusion-model-based approach for efficient quantification of superficial tissue properties.

Previously, we reported using a diffusing probe in conjunction with a two-layer diffusion model for accurately recovering the optical properties of superficial volumes. However, the two-layer diffusion equation is computationally less efficient than a standard diffusion equation (SDE) by 3 orders of magnitude. In this Letter, we present a new approach extended from the diffusing probe geometry that enables the use of a diffusion model that has efficiency comparable to an SDE. Our Monte Carlo simulation results indicate that this new approach is not only very accurate but also sensitive to the presence of 0.5 mm(3) inhomogeneities and could be used for monitoring the early progression of skin melanoma.