Open AccessInvestigation of water diffusion dynamics in corneal phantoms using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy
Author(s) -
Andrew Chen,
Omar B. Osman,
Zachery B. Harris,
Azin Abazri,
Robert Honkanen,
M. Hassan Arbab
Publication year - 2020
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.382826
Subject(s) - terahertz radiation , optics , terahertz spectroscopy and technology , materials science , spectroscopy , terahertz time domain spectroscopy , imaging phantom , diffusion , time domain , cornea , optoelectronics , physics , computer science , quantum mechanics , computer vision , thermodynamics
Perturbation of normal corneal water content is a common manifestation of many eye diseases. Terahertz (THz) imaging has the potential to serve as a clinical tool for screening and diagnosing such corneal diseases. In this study, we first investigate the diffusive properties of a corneal phantom using simultaneous THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and gravimetric measurements. We will then utilize a variable-thickness diffusion model combined with a stratified composite-media model to simulate changes in thickness, hydration profile, and the THz-TDS signal as a function of time. The simulated THz-TDS signals show very good agreement with the reflection measurements. Results show that the THz-TDS technique can be used to understand water diffusion dynamics in corneal phantoms as a step towards future in vivo quantitative hydration sensing.