Optimized Wavelength Selection and Normalization in Spectral Near Infrared Tomography

Multi-spectral near infrared tomographic imaging has the potential to provide information about patho-physiological function of soft tissue. However, the specific choice of wavelengths used is crucial for the accurate separation of such parameters. Determination of a set of optimized bands of wavelengths is presented and tested using experimental data. The optimization method achieves images as accurate as using the full spectrum, but improves cross talk between parameters. A Jacobian normalization technique is presented which takes into account the varying magnitude of different optical parameters creating a more uniform update within a spectral image reconstruction model. 2010 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: (100.3190) Inverse problems; (170.3660) Light propagation in tissues;