Analysis of skin tissues spatial fluorescence distribution by the Monte Carlo simulation

Abstract

A novel Monte Carlo technique of simulation of spatial fluorescence distribution within the human skin is presented. The computational model of skin takes into account the spatial distribution of fluorophores, which would arise due to the structure of collagen fibres, compared to the epidermis and stratum corneum where the distribution of fluorophores is assumed to be homogeneous. The results of simulation suggest that distribution of auto-fluorescence is significantly suppressed in the near-infrared spectral region, whereas the spatial distribution of fluorescence sources within a sensor layer embedded in the epidermis is localized at an 'effective' depth.

Method of autofluorescence diagnostics of skin neoplasms in the near infrared region

“…The quantum yield of the fluorescence of skin natural fluorophores varies from thousandth to hundredth parts of the absorbed radiation energy [17]. In healthy skin tissues, the main substances that actively absorb and scatter light are haemoglobin, water, lipids, and melanin [18].…”

Qualitative near-infrared vascular imaging system with tuned aperture computed tomography

“…Therefore, an attenuation correction method by the analysis of skin tissues spatial fluorescence distribution by Monte Carlo simulation is required. 25,26 Additionally, to increase measurement precision of VOI, we need to establish a correction method of image inhomogeneous sensitivity at each wavelength.…”

A review of attenuation correction techniques for tissue fluorescence

“…The only downside is the long time taken to run simulations, particularly for multiple emission or excitation wavelengths. In practice, Monte Carlo simulations have been successfully used to accurately reconstruct the fluorescence spectra of tissues from measured microscopic optical properties (Zeng et al 1997;Churmakov et al 2003). Recently, attenuation correction techniques have been proposed which utilize information obtained either directly or indirectly from such simulations.…”