Real correlation time measurement in laser speckle contrast analysis using wide exposure time range images

In laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) used for imaging of blood flow, besides the moving blood cells, the speckle pattern is also influenced by the imaging system and scattering properties of the laser-illuminated static surface. A latex microsphere (650 nm size) emulsion was covered with scattering semi-transparent materials (Teflon foils, tracing paper). Speckle images were recorded with different exposure times (0.2 ms-500 ms), and correlation times were determined by parameterizing the theoretical contrast-exposure time function. The correlation times obtained for covered and uncovered microsphere emulsions were in good agreement. The possibility of obtaining comparable, setup-independent results in blood perfusion monitoring can contribute to better applicability of LASCA. (C) 2009 Optical Society of America