Theory 015/Optics & Photonics
Imaging Depth Is Anisotropy
The claim
Optical coherence tomography penetration is set by the scattering anisotropy factor rather than by scattering coefficient alone, so a highly forward-scattering tissue can be imaged deeper.
01The mechanism
Anisotropy determines how many scattering events a photon survives before losing direction, which sets effective penetration.
02Predictions
- P1Depth should track anisotropy at matched coefficient.
- P2Forward-scattering media should image deeper.
03Refutation
Depth tracking the coefficient alone would leave anisotropy irrelevant.