The present invention relates to three-dimensional optical imaging techniques
and, more particularly, to the detection and three-dimensional imaging of absorbing
and/or scattering structures in complex random media, such as human body tissue,
by detecting scattered light emerging from the medium. An apparatus for optical
tomographic imaging of tissue structures with non-uniform surface geometries in
accordance with the invention comprises: an optical source capable of providing
light having a wavelength capable of at least attenuated transmission through the
tissue; a fiber array consisting of fiber bundles for transmitting light from the
optical source to the tissue to be imaged, and a second fiber array consisting
of fiber bundles for receiving light scattered by the tissue; an adjustable assembly
comprising an adjustable support member supporting one end of each fiber bundle,
the fiber bundles being distributed along the portion of each support member which
conforms to a surface of a specimen being imaged so as to transmit light into,
and collect light emanating from, the surface of the imaged tissue at a multitude
of spaced-apart points; and a detector array receiving light collected by the fibers
in the second fiber bundle.