Modeling of sensitivity and resolution to an included object in homogeneous scattering media and in MRI-derived breast maps

We have examined the measured sensitivity and edge resolution to an included tumor in MR-derived maps of the breast exposed to NIR illumination. A large parameter space was explored, enabling a systematic examination of the influence that measurement parameters (e.g., view angle, source position, wavelength) and target medium parameters (e.g., breast and tumor size, background tissue properties, and tumor contrast) have on the computed responses. The significance of these finding on data collection schemes for imaging studies is discussed. (C) 1999 Optical Society of America.