Angular-spectrum modeling of focusing light inside scattering media by optical phase conjugation

Abstract

Focusing light inside scattering media by optical phase conjugation has been intensively investigated due to its potential applications, such as in deep tissue imaging. However, no existing physical models explain the impact of the various factors on the focusing performance inside a dynamic scattering medium. Here, we establish an angular-spectrum model to trace the field propagation during the entire optical phase conjugation process in the presence of scattering media. By incorporating fast decorrelation components, the model enables us to investigate the competition between the guide star and fast tissue motions for photon tagging. Other factors affecting the focusing performance are also analyzed via the model. As a proof of concept, we experimentally verify our model in the case of focusing light through dynamic scattering media. This angular-spectrum model allows analysis of a series of scattering events in highly scattering media and benefits related applications.