Flexible circuit-based spatially aware modular optical brain imaging system for high-density measurements in natural settings

作者：Edward Xu, Morris Vanegas, Miguel Mireles, Artem Dementyev, Ashlyn McCann, Meryem A. Yücel, Stefan A. Carp, Qianqian Fang · 发表于：Neurophotonics · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1117/1.nph.11.3.035002 · 被引用次数：7 · 研究领域：Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy Techniques、Photoreceptor and optogenetics research、Optical Coherence Tomography Applications

SignificanceFunctional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) presents an opportunity to study human brains in everyday activities and environments. However, achieving robust measurements under such dynamic conditions remains a significant challenge.AimThe modular optical brain imaging (MOBI) system is designed to enhance optode-to-scalp coupling and provide a real-time probe three-dimensional (3D) shape estimation to improve the use of fNIRS in everyday conditions.ApproachThe MOBI system utilizes a bendable and lightweight modular circuit-board design to enhance probe conformity to head surfaces and comfort for long-term wearability. Combined with automatic module connection recognition, the built-in orientation sensors on each module can be used to estimate optode 3D positions in real time to enable advanced tomographic data analysis and motion tracking.ResultsOptical characterization of the MOBI detector reports a noise equivalence power of 8.9 and 7.3 pW/Hz at 735 and 850 nm, respectively, with a dynamic range of 88 dB. The 3D optode shape acquisition yields an average error of 4.2 mm across 25 optodes in a phantom test compared with positions acquired from a digitizer. Results for initial in vivo validations, including a cuff occlusion and a finger-tapping test, are also provided.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, the MOBI system is the first modular fNIRS system featuring fully flexible circuit boards. The self-organizing module sensor network and automatic 3D optode ...