Probing multifractality in depth-resolved refractive index fluctuations in biological tissues using backscattering spectral interferometry

Abstract

Fourier domain low coherence interferometry is a promising method for quantification of the depth distribution of the refractive index in a layered scattering medium such as biological tissue. Here, we have explored backscattering spectral interferometric measurement in combination with multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis to probe and quantify multifractality in depth distribution of the refractive index in tissue. The depth resolution of the experimental system was validated on model systems comprising of polystyrene microspheres and mica sheet, and was initially tested on turbid collagen layer, the main building blocks of the connective tissue. Following successful evaluation, the method was applied on ex vivo tissues of human cervix. The derived multifractal parameters of depth-resolved index fluctuations of tissue, namely, the generalized Hurst exponent and the width of the singularity spectrum showed interesting differences between tissues having different grades of precancers. The depth-resolved index fluctuations exhibited stronger multifractality with increasing pathological grades, demonstrating its promise as a potential biomarker for precancer detection.