Finite-difference time-domain analysis of time-resolved reflectance from an adult head model composed of multilayered slabs with a nonscattering layer.

Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) analysis has been used to predict the time-resolved reflectance from multilayered slabs with a nonscattering layer. Light propagation across the nonscattering layer was calculated based on the light intensity characteristics along a ray in free space. Additional equivalent source functions due to light from scattering regions across the nonscattering region were introduced into the diffusion equation and an additional set of the diffusion equation was solved by FDTD analysis by employing new boundary conditions. The formulation was used to calculate time-resolved reflectances of three- and four-layered slabs containing a nonscattering layer. The received light intensity and the mean time of flight estimated from the time-resolved reflectance are in reasonable agreement with previously reported experimental data and Monte Carlo simulations.