Time-dependent contrast functions for quantitative imaging in time-resolved transillumination experiments.

We have developed a methodology that can be used in reconstruction algorithms to quantify the optical coefficients and the geometrical cross section of a weakly abnormal optical target embedded in an otherwise homogeneous medium. This novel procedure uses differenttime-dependent point-spread functions to analyze the diffusive and absorptive contrasts obtained from time-of-flight measurements. Data obtained from time-resolved transillumination of a tissuelike phantom are used to test the accuracy of this new deconvolution methodology.