In this paper we present the absorption coefficient and the isotropic scattering coefficient for 22 human skin samples measured using a double integrating sphere apparatus in the wavelength range of 1000–2200 nm. These in vitro results show that values for follow 70% of the absorption coefficient of water and values for range from 3 to 16 cm−1. From the measured optical properties, it was found that a 2% Intralipid solution provides a suitable skin tissue phantom. © 2001 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.
