Phantoms enhance modeling of light-tissue interactions

摘要

Biomedical researchers and optical engineers have long used modeling software to streamline the development of new products and applications. Now, Breault Research Organization (BRO; Tucson, AZ) is augmenting the optical-modeling capabilities of its optical-design software, the Advanced Systems Analysis Program (ASAP), with a skin-modeling technique called Realistic Skin Model (RSM). According to Breault, the RSM is capable of modeling the major layers of human skin--stratum corneum, epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis--independently (see figure). This approach allows layer-by-layer customization of models, providing a tissue model tailored to precise specifications. Built into the RSM are options for adjusting concentrations of light-absorbing molecules, or chromophores, in each skin layer. This feature opens up an array of possibilities for disease and disorder modeling. The RSM tissue models can be integrated with pre-existing optical designs for accurate characterization of system functionality and optical phenomena in tissue samples. Simultaneous modeling of optical systems and tissue makes virtual analysis of the light-tissue interface a fast and low-cost alternative to laboratory studies.