Institute of Applied Physics

Research

Optical characterization of highly scattering media

Schematic drawing of the compact extinction measurement setup using imaging (figure left). Example of an extinction recording (figure right).
Schematic drawing of the compact extinction measurement setup using imaging (figure left). Example of an extinction recording (figure right).

The accurate optical characterization of highly scattering media, such as biological tissues, is of relevance in many fields, yet is faced with important challenges. We are developing novel setups to overcome some of these challenges; our current work include: time-resolved measurements and a double-integrating sphere setup for the determination of the absorption coefficient and the mean free transport path, extinction measurements using imaging, an ellipsometric setup for the measurement of the refractive index. The reliability and accuracy of all these measurement techniques are assessed via calibration studies and compared to analytical/numerical models.