Use of scaling relations to extract intrinsic fluorescence lifetime of targets embedded in turbid media

We present a novel method for estimating the intrinsic fluorescence lifetime of deeply embedded localized fluorophores. It is based on scaling relations, characteristic for turbid media. The approach is experimentally substantiated by successfully reconstructing lifetimes for targets at depths up to 14.5 mm. A derived correction factor was determined from the product of the transport-corrected scattering coefficient mu(s)' and the index of refraction n(r). In addition, data from an array of detectors (>= 2) can be used to estimate mu(s)'n(r). The suggested algorithm is a promising tool for diagnostic fluorescence, since lifetime can be a sensitive indicator of the fluorophore environment. (C) 2008 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.