A dynamic optical imaging phantom based on an array of semiconductor diodes.

An electrically-activated phantom for evaluating diffuse optical imaging systems has been designed based on an array of semiconductor diodes which are used to heat a thermochromic dye embedded in a solidified polyester resin with tissue-like optical properties. The array allows individual diodes to be addressed sequentially, thus simulating the movement of a small volume of contrasting optical absorption. Two designs of diode-array phantom are described and results of imaging experiments are presented.