Modelling the experimental and fundamental signal-to-noise in speckle contrast optical tomography

A variety of diffuse optical methods use laser speckle contrast and its statistics to non-invasively determine blood flow. In most cases, this implies very low detected count-rates which leads to systematic errors in determining the correct speckle statistics. We have developed a comprehensive method for simulating realistic speckle contrast resultant from light propagation in tissue taking into account experimental and fundamental sources of noise. Results of the simulation are used to determine the relationship of these parameters on the precision and accuracy of the speckle contrast signal.