The present invention recognizes that contrary to intuitive expectations, sensitivity and resolution of the data for image reconstruction can be increased by decreasing the absorption or scattering mean free path length of the imaging source energy. Methods are disclosed in this respect for enhancing sensitivity and resolution in the imaging of scattering target media (116). In one method, source energy wavelength is selected to optimize scattering and absorption of the energy while maintaining measurable and acceptable detector signals (112). In another aspect of the invention, the scattering target medium (116) is radially compressed and the imaging source wavelength is then adjusted in conjunction with the compression to improve sensitivity and resolution.