Part 03 - fNIRS: mobile and high-density
applications and multi-modal integration
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What are some examples of
how NIRS is used today?
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Applications of NIRS
NIRx subjects: Infants -> Adults
NIRx NIRScaps are comfortable and
conforming. Most end-users find it
more comfortable than EEG, as it
does not involve the use of any scalp
abrasion, or heavy, gooey gel.
Standard NIRScaps can be worn for
several hours with minimal discomfort.
Long-term monitoring caps are available
upon request, with specialized
components to increase comfort and
reduce head fatigue.
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Flat probes for sensitive subjects
The above picture shows a concurrent EEG/NIRS
measurement. Use of our flat probes is ideal for
subjects with sensitive skin or heads.
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Hyperscanning = Multi-subject measurements
Multi-subject concurrent measurements have become
increasingly popular lately. Peer group, parent-child, and other
relationships are effectively quantifiable with the use of our
hyperscanning setups.
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Hyperscanning = Multi-subject measurements
Click to
watch video!
Video of NIRx Hyperscanning
Mobile NIRS - Key
The NIRSport is connected to the Surface Tablet
via a USB 2.0 connection.
The two devices are put into the NIRSport
backpack and the backpack is placed on the
subject.
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Wireless Multi-subject measurements
WiFi
NIRSport allows multi-subject
measurements to be made
wirelessly, integrating data
from freely-moving subjects
in real-world environments.
Integrated Data
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fNIRS solutions on small animals
We offer specialized
stereotaxic holders for small
rodent measurements.
fNIRS solutions on small animals
Freely-moving
measurements may also be
done on small animals.
fNIRS solutions on large animals - Macaque
NIRx offers an integrated hybrid atlas for
NIRS studies on rhesus macaque
monkeys.
NIRS/EEG – Concurrent Measurements
NIRx’s integrated EEG/NIRS
solutions are numerous. Here
we see integration with the
NIRScoutX system and an active
electrode EEG setup.
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Synchronization of NIRS & EEG
Digital Interface:
LPT (parallel) Port
Data Acquisition Card
3rd Party Interface
Stimulation:
Visual
Auditory
Tactile
etc.
PC Bus
•Response
•SUBJECT
Trigger Splitter
(optional)
Trigger Cable
(4 or 8 lines)
EEG Amp
NIRS
Measurement
USB
NIRStar records:
NIRS Data
Event markers
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Visual Study Example – Integrated NIRS/EEG
NIRS Source
NIRS Detector
NIRS Channel
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NIRS and EEG Positions
EEG electrode
NIRS Source
NIRS Detector
NIRS Channel
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Single-Trial NIRS Response – NIRS/EEG
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Real-Time Block Average Display
EEG
channels
O1
Oz
O2
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Co-located NIRS-EEG
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Brain-Computer Interface with NIRS Streaming
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BCI Performance Improvement: EEG+HbO
Fazli et al, Neuroimg. 2011
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NIRS-EEG Atlas
MNI Atlas
Subject Atlas
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Optical Coupling Solution
An optical coupler is used for the
active LED sources (NIRScout and
NIRSport) and active detectors
(NIRSport), so that there is no
electrical interference from NIRS
while using MRI, TMS, or MEG
concurrently with NIRS.
Optical probes are used in place of their
electrical counterparts for concurrent MRI,
TMS, and MEG measurements with NIRS.
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Low profile optodes: TMS/fNIRS
NIRx offers low-profile optodes for
specialized measurements, such as
NIRS/TMS applications.
Probe height is ~7mm.
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fNIRS/fMRI Concurrent Measurement Layout
The NIRx system and coupler
are located outside the
magnet room, with source
and detector fibers going to
and from the subject
respectively. Fibers may be
up to 10m in length.
Source
Current
Magnet Room
LED-to-Fiber Coupler
Detector
Current
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Portable fNIRS laboratories
The NIRSport is lightweight
and compact. It is easily
setup in any environment,
allowing researchers to
meet subjects anywhere!
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Wearable NIRS Study while biking
(Piper et al. Neuroimage 2013)
The study exhibited the viability of the portable solution. The subject rode a bicycle
while wearing a 16-probe NIRS system.
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Portable/Wearable Triggers
Subject manual trigger
earphones
Integrated event presentation
Software synchronization
1:
Stimulus
software
USB
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Where is NIRS headed
in the future?
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Optical Tomography in the future
The potential for NIRS in the future is immense. A few promising
applications on the horizon include: underwater measurements,
brain connectivity measurements, and consumer neurofeedback in
everyday real-world environments. We see NIRS as a central point
for growth in neuroscience in all these areas very soon!
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Thanks!
... Questions?
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