Three-Dimensional Near-Infrared Imaging of Pathophysiological Changes Within the Breast

This project aims to improve the estimation of functional properties of breast tissue in near infrared (NIR) imaging. This imaging technique (also known as diffuse optical tomography (DOT)) is noninvasive and non-ionizing, and can be routinely used to characterize the breast tissue. In this technique, fibers placed on the boundary of the breast deliver NIR light (600 nm to 950 nm) and collect the propagated diffused light (the patient fiber-optic setup is shown in the photo). The attenuation and scattering of light through breast tissue volume provide an estimation of functional properties using a model-based approach.