Multi-layer silicone phantoms for the evaluation of quantitative optical techniques in skin imaging

With the development of multilayer models for the analysis of quantitative spectroscopic techniques, there is a need to generate controlled and stable phantoms capable of validating these new models specific to the particular instrument performance and/or probe geometry. Direct applications for these multilayer phantoms include characterization or validation of depth penetration for specific probe geometries or describing layer specific sensitivity of optical instrumentation. We will present a method of producing interchangeable silicone phantoms that vary in thickness from 90 microns up to several millimeters which can be combined to produce multilayered structures to mimic optical properties of physiologic tissues such as skin. The optical properties of these phantoms are verified through inverse adding-doubling methods and the homogeneous distribution of optical properties will be discussed.