Improved rejection of multiply scattered photons in confocal microscopy using dual-axes architecture

We perform Monte Carlo simulations to show that the dual-axes (DA) confocal architecture has superior rejection of multiply scattered photons in tissue to that of single axis. As a result, the DA configuration provides improved signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range, and thus is sensitive to ballistic photons from deeper within tissue, features that are particularly useful for performing vertical cross-sectional reflectance images in tissue. (C) 2007 Optical Society of America