Abstract
.The development of a whole-scalp, high sampling-density diffuse optical tomography (DOT) system is a critical next step in the evolution of the field of diffuse optics. To achieve this with optical fiber bundles is extremely challenging, simply because of the sheer number of bundles required, and the associated challenges of weight and ergonomics. Dispensing with optical fiber bundles and moving to head-mounted optoelectronics can potentially facilitate the advent of a new generation of wearable, whole-scalp technologies that will open up a range of new experimental and clinical applications for diffuse optical measurements. Here, we present a concise review of the significant progress that has been made toward achieving a wearable, fiberless, high-density, whole-scalp DOT system. We identify the key limitations of current technologies and discuss the possible opportunities for future development.
Highlights
The use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy and diffuse optical imaging techniques has grown exponentially in recent years.[1]
One of the most significant challenges associated with the use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and diffuse optical tomography (DOT) in neuroscience and in the clinic remains the lack of a standardized, whole-scalp recording system
FNIRS and DOT users must compromise on field of view,[2] and often on both field of view and channel density.[3,4]
Summary
The use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and diffuse optical imaging techniques has grown exponentially in recent years.[1]. While there are fiber-based fNIRS systems that have enough sources and detectors to theoretically approach sparse wholescalp coverage (and allow functional measurement of the majority of the superficial cortex),[3] for reasons of cost, and because of the mechanical difficulties associated with employing so many optical fiber bundles, it remains extremely rare for an fNIRS study (and even rarer for a DOT study) to attempt to cover the whole adult scalp This problem has become more acute in recent years, because it is well accepted that short-separation measurements (those with a source–detector separation of less than 1.5 cm so as to principally sample the superficial tissues) are a critical component of any reliable fNIRS measurement.[10,11,12,13]. A review of recent developments in time-domain DOT technology (including steps taken toward achieving a wearable device) can be found by Pifferi et al.[22]
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