Virtual source method for diffuse optical imaging.

The Green's function for diffusive wave propagation can be obtained by utilizing the representation theorems of the convolution type and the correlation type. In this work, the Green's function is retrieved by making use of the Robin boundary condition and the representation theorems for diffusive media. The diffusive Green's function between two detectors for photon flux is calculated by combining detector readings due to point light sources and utilizing virtual light sources at the detector positions in optical tomography. Two dimensional simulations for a circular region with eight sources and eight detectors located on the boundary are performed using a finite element method to demonstrate the feasibility of virtual sources. The most important potential application would be the replacement of noisy measurements with synthetic measurements that are provided by the virtual sources. This becomes an important issue in small animal and human studies. In addition, the same method may also be used to reduce the imaging time.