Monte Carlo simulations of abnormal scattering inclusions embedded in turbid media

Summary form only given. We are interested in developing an optical tomography device that can detect abnormal inclusions using visual to near infrared (NIR) wavelength photons. These wavelengths are non-ionizing and if used at reasonable power levels should be very safe. However, ordinary tomographic techniques, such as those used in computerised tomography (CT), assume primarily unscattered photons. By contrast, unscattered visible through to NIR photons are very unlikely after passing through one centimeter of tissue. One potential application of optical tomography would be in mammography where photons would typically be required to penetrate more than five centimeters.