Functional imaging of the human brain using a modular, fibre-less, high-density diffuse optical tomography system

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Biomedical Engineering
• Optical Physics

Background:

• Functional brain imaging is crucial for understanding neurological processes.
• Existing diffuse optical tomography (DOT) systems often face limitations in resolution and portability.
• Developing non-invasive, high-density neuroimaging techniques is an ongoing challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the first three-dimensional, functional brain images using a novel, fibre-less, high-density diffuse optical tomography (DOT) system.
• To demonstrate the capability of a modular DOT system for real-time neuroimaging.
• To pave the way for wearable, wireless optical neuroimaging technologies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized independent, miniaturized, silicone-encapsulated DOT modules placed on the scalp.
• Arranged four modules to achieve up to 128 dual-wavelength measurement channels over a 60 × 65 mm² area.
• Conducted motor-cortex stimulation experiments with source-detector separations of 14–55 mm in adults, including in the presence of hair.

Main Results:

• Obtained high-quality, continuous-wave measurements.
• Identified robust haemodynamic response functions in all 5 subjects tested.
• Generated 3D diffuse optical tomography images showing well-localized functional haemodynamic responses at individual and group levels.

Conclusions:

• The novel fibre-less, high-density DOT system successfully produced the first 3D functional brain images.
• The modular design allows for wearable and wireless neuroimaging applications.
• This technology represents a significant advancement towards next-generation optical neuroimaging.