Open AccessLight scattering spectroscopy of human skin in vivo
Author(s) -
George Zonios,
Aikaterini Dimou
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.17.001256
Subject(s) - scattering , light scattering , optics , in vivo , scattering coefficient , human skin , materials science , wavelength , spectroscopy , static light scattering , scattering theory , physics , biology , genetics , microbiology and biotechnology , quantum mechanics
We present an in vivo study of the reduced scattering coefficient of normal skin and of common melanocytic nevi in Caucasian subjects. The spectral shape of the reduced scattering coefficient is described well by a power-law dependence on the wavelength, in accordance with previous studies of light scattering by biological tissues. We investigate statistical variations in the scattering spectrum slope and also identify an inherent correlation between scattering intensity and scattering spectral slope, observed mainly in normal skin. In addition, we do not find any significant differences between the scattering properties of normal skin and common melanocytic nevi. Finally, we also provide a short review of previously published studies reporting on the light scattering properties of human skin both in vivo and in vitro.