Multilayer silicone phantoms for the evaluation of quantitative optical techniques in skin imaging

Abstract

With the development of multilayer models for the analysis of quantitative spectroscopic techniques, there is a need to generate controlled and stable phantoms capable of validating these new models specific to the particular instrument performance and/or probe geometry. Direct applications for these multilayer phantoms include characterization or validation of depth penetration for specific probe geometries or describing layer specific sensitivity of optical instrumentation. We will present a method of producing interchangeable silicone phantoms that vary in thickness from 90 microns up to several millimeters which can be combined to produce multilayered structures to mimic optical properties of physiologic tissues such as skin. The optical properties of these phantoms are verified through inverse addingdoubling methods and the homogeneous distribution of optical properties will be discussed.

Preparation of a skin equivalent phantom with interior micron-scale vessel structures for optical imaging experiments

“…In view of skin equivalent phantoms, many researches have been conducted onto the concept of multilayers that imitate the layers of the cutis: epidermis, dermis. Multilayer structure favors to assess some imaging modalities and their associated algorithms [9][10][11][12]. It is even practical to emboss vessel structures in multilayer phantoms to include biological / artificial solution [8,13].…”

Development of thin skin mimicking bilayer solid tissue phantoms for optical spectroscopic studies

“…But solid phantoms have the ability to hold the desired geometrical shape, thickness and inhomogeneity as that of multi-layered tissues and can be fabricated with controlled optical properties [14,15]. The concept of a thin, solid optical tissue phantom is a challenging task and has gained attention only in the recent past [16][17][18][19]. Fabrication of solid gelatin based mono and bilayer phantoms were attempted previously with individual layer thickness several orders higher than the original tissue to use with optical spectral studies [17].…”

“…Development of a hard, solid, polyurethane fluorescence phantom was reported to assess the sensitivity of fluorescence cameras and to validate the efficacy of interventional fluorescence molecular level imaging with greater depth dimensions compared to in-vivo conditions [18]. Multilayer silicone based phantoms with controlled optical properties and geometries that mimic the skin layers were fabricated for characterization and validation of optical systems [19]. These phantoms tried to address the concerns of original depth dimensions of epithelial layer, but with a hard and much thicker base dermis compared with original tissue.…”

Blood equivalent phantom vs whole human blood, a comparative study

“…Such calibration is performed on standardized phantoms -simpli¯ed physical models of tissues. [10][11][12] Especially, phantoms simulating optical properties of skin [13][14][15] are used for testing noninvasive optical devices. Similarly, blood monitoring 16,17 devices have to be calibrated with the use of blood-equivalent phantoms as well.…”