Monte Carlo Modeling of Light Transport in Tissue (Steady State and Time of Flight)

Abstract

Monte Carlo simulations are a fundamental and versatile approach toward modeling light transport in tissues. While diffusion theory for light transport is a fast and convenient way to model light transport, it fails when close to sources or boundaries and when absorption is strong compared to scattering; in other words, whenever conditions cause the gradient of fluence rate (or photon concentration) to not be simply linear but to have some curvature. Monte Carlo steps in to treat problems when diffusion theory fails. Figure 5.1 illustrates a Monte Carlo simulation.