FUNCTIONAL NEAR INFRARED IMAGING SYSTEM

我们正在开发一种新的仪器，用于非侵入性研究大脑功能活动。这台仪器将使用近红外光将激活的大脑区域定位在几毫米内，并重建大脑的功能图。该方法基于频域技术：将强度调制为110 MHz的两个近红外波长的光通过光缆传输到测量探头。由于探测器上的几个光源(光纤)与每个探测器的距离不同，该仪器将提供发生大脑活动的区域的3D定位。在该项目的第一阶段，将组装一个原型，对ISS开发的两个频域组织光谱仪进行改造；将制造两个光学探头以及用于控制32个光源的电路。该仪器的3D能力将在第一阶段结束时在人体志愿者身上进行初步测试。在该项目的第二阶段，将开发脑功能成像仪器。在第二阶段结束时，我们计划进行与功能磁共振成像技术的对比测试。建议的商业应用：1.脑活动的光学成像2.刺激的脑细胞聚集体的定位

We are developing a novel kind of instrument for the non-invasive study of functional brain activity. This instrument will use near infrared light to localize an activated brain area within a few millimeters and to reconstruct a functional map of the brain. The method is based on frequency-domain techniques: light at two near infrared wavelengths, intensity modulated at 110 MHz, is carried to the measuring probe by fiber optic cables. As several sources (fiber optics) are present on the probe at different distances from each detector, the instrument will provide a 3D localization of the area where the brain activity occurs. During Phase I of this project, a prototype will be assembled modifying two Frequency Domain Tissue Spectrometers developed by ISS; two optical probes will be fabricated as well as the circuitry for control of 32 light sources. The 3D capability of the instrument will be tested at the end of Phase I on preliminary tests acquired on human volunteers. During the Phase II part of the project, the instrument for functional brain imaging will be developed. At the end of Phase II we plan to conduct comparative tests with functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging techniques. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: 1. Optical imaging of brain activity 2. Localization of stimulated brain cellular aggregates