Optical tomography

Optical tomography is a technique used in medical imaging that uses light to map the structure of tissue. It is a non-invasive method that can provide detailed images of the body's internal structures, including the brain, heart, and other organs.

Overview

Optical tomography is based on the principle that light can penetrate tissue and be absorbed, scattered, or reflected. By measuring these changes in light, it is possible to create a detailed image of the tissue's structure. This technique is particularly useful for imaging soft tissues, such as the brain and heart, which are difficult to image using other methods.

Types of Optical Tomography

There are several types of optical tomography, including Diffuse optical tomography (DOT), Optical coherence tomography (OCT), and Photoacoustic tomography (PAT). Each of these methods uses a different approach to imaging, but all rely on the interaction of light with tissue.

Diffuse Optical Tomography

Diffuse optical tomography uses near-infrared light to image tissue. The light is absorbed and scattered by the tissue, and the resulting changes in the light's intensity and direction are used to create an image.

Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical coherence tomography uses light waves to create high-resolution images of tissue. It is particularly useful for imaging the retina and other structures in the eye.

Photoacoustic Tomography

Photoacoustic tomography combines ultrasound and laser-induced photoacoustic signals to create images of tissue. This method can provide high-resolution images of deep tissue structures.

Applications

Optical tomography has a wide range of applications in medical imaging. It can be used to image the brain, heart, and other organs, and is particularly useful for imaging soft tissues. It can also be used in research to study tissue structure and function.

See Also

• Medical imaging
• Diffuse optical tomography
• Optical coherence tomography
• Photoacoustic tomography