A layered tissue model has a thin, epithelial layer supported underneath by a thick, stromal layer. Each layer has its own optical properties which, in turn, provide useful medical diagnostic information. We present an asymptotic analysis of the boundary value problem for the vector radiative transport equation that governs a polarized beam incident on layered tissues. In doing so, we are able to propose novel methods to study the optical properties of epithelial tissue layers which have applications in the early diagnosis of cancer.

This work involves collaborations with Miguel Moscoso, Shelley Rohde, and Julia Clark.