Time-domain optical imaging: discrimination between scattering and absorption

A technique for discriminating between scattering and absorbing inclusions located in the center of a scattering slab is presented. The technique is based on an empirical model that provides a simple mathematical expression to describe the change in the time-resolved transmission resulting from the presence of an inclusion. Experimental results from various configurations show that the technique allows for proper recognition of the type of an inclusion whether it is scattering or absorbing. This technique is a significant step toward tissue differentiation.