Open AccessPhysiological and structural characterization of human skin in vivo using combined photothermal radiometry and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy
Author(s) -
Nina Verdel,
Ana Marin,
Matija Milanič,
Boris Majaron
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
biomedical optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.362
H-Index - 86
ISSN - 2156-7085
DOI - 10.1364/boe.10.000944
Subject(s) - diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transform , optics , diffuse reflection , radiometry , materials science , spectroscopy , photothermal therapy , light scattering , human skin , monte carlo method , biomedical engineering , scattering , chemistry , medicine , physics , mathematics , biochemistry , photocatalysis , quantum mechanics , catalysis , statistics , biology , genetics
In this proof-of-concept study we combine two optical techniques to enable assessment of structure and composition of human skin in vivo: Pulsed photothermal radiometry (PPTR), which involves measurements of transient dynamics in mid-infrared emission from sample surface after exposure to a light pulse, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) in visible part of the spectrum. The analysis involves simultaneous fitting of measured PPTR signals and DRS with corresponding predictions of a Monte Carlo model of light-tissue interaction. By using a four-layer optical model of skin we obtain a good match between the experimental and model data when scattering properties of the epidermis and dermis are also optimized on an individual basis. The assessed parameter values correlate well with literature data and demonstrate the expected trends in controlled tests involving temporary obstruction of peripheral blood circulation using a pressure cuff, and acute as well as seasonal sun tanning.