Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that indirect, three-dimensional images of features within turbid or dense samples can be reconstructed based on principles of radiative transport to provide higher resolution images than diffuse imaging methods, while enabling penetration depths significantly greater than microscopic imaging methods. The new indirect mode imaging methods enable one to “see” into turbid or dense samples, such as tissue in living animals or humans, ceramics, plastics, liquids, and other materials, to a depth of 50 &mgr;m to 10 mm or more, with higher resolution than diffuse imaging methods.