Time-gated transillumination of objects in highly scattering media using a subpicosecond optical amplifier

We have developed an optical system that simultaneously selects and amplifies photons in a time window of less than 10 ps. This new subpicosecond optical amplifier allowed us to realize one-dimensional images of a striped pattern with a spatial resolution of 200-/spl mu/m through a 30-mm liquid scattering medium. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to study the relative importance of parameters characterizing the medium and the time-gated amplifying system in relation to the image sharpness. The potential application of this system in medical imaging is discussed.