Scanning laser-pulse mammography: matching fluid and off-axis measurements

The influence of a matching fluid on time-domain optical mammograms recorded in vivo in the compressed-breast geometry was investigated. Edge effects on transmitted intensity could be drastically reduced, but it is practically impossible to achieve perfect matching. Therefore, in contrast to measurements without matching fluid, quantification of the tissue’s optical properties close to the edges of the breast requires the use of inhomogeneous models for data analysis. Phantom measurements and simulations allow to quantitatively understand such edge effects. Off-axis measurements facilitate depth localization of inhomogeneities in the tissue.