Three dimensional Monte Carlo code for photon migration through complex heterogeneous media including the adult human head

TLDR

The authors present a novel Monte Carlo code for photon migration through 3‑D media with spatially varying optical properties. The code is validated against analytic solutions of the photon diffusion equation for semi‑infinite homogeneous media and cross‑validated for photon migration through a slab containing an absorbing heterogeneity, enabling accurate modeling of photon transport in complex 3‑D structures. Demonstrated by time‑resolved photon migration through a human head, the publicly available tMCimg code serves as a resource for solving the forward problem for complex 3‑D structural data obtained by MRI or CT.

Abstract

We describe a novel Monte Carlo code for photon migration through 3D media with spatially varying optical properties. The code is validated against analytic solutions of the photon diffusion equation for semi-infinite homogeneous media. The code is also cross-validated for photon migration through a slab with an absorbing heterogeneity. A demonstration of the utility of the code is provided by showing time-resolved photon migration through a human head. This code, known as 'tMCimg', is available on the web and can serve as a resource for solving the forward problem for complex 3D structural data obtained by MRI or CT.