Modeling focusing Gaussian beams in a turbid medium with Monte Carlo simulations.

Monte Carlo techniques are the gold standard for studying light propagation in turbid media. Traditional Monte Carlo techniques are unable to include wave effects, such as diffraction; thus, these methods are unsuitable for exploring focusing geometries where a significant ballistic component remains at the focal plane. Here, a method is presented for accurately simulating photon propagation at the focal plane, in the context of a traditional Monte Carlo simulation.