Fast Multi-Distance Time-Domain NIRS and DCS System for Clinical Applications

We have designed and built an improved system for combined Time-Domain Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (TD NIRS) and Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy (DCS) measurements. The system features two independent channels, enabling TD NIRS and DCS acquisition at short and long source-detector distances to enhance depth sensitivity in layered tissues. Moreover, the device can operate at fast acquisition rates (up to 50 Hz) to monitor hemodynamic oscillations in biological tissues. An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) TD NIRS device enables stable and robust acquisition of photon distribution of time-of-flight. For the DCS signals, the use of a time tagger and a software correlator allows us flexibility in post-processing. A user-friendly GUI controls TD NIRS data acquisition and online data analysis. We present results for the system characterization on calibrated tissue phantoms according to standardized protocols for performance assessment of TD NIRS and DCS devices. In-vivo measurements during rest and during vascular occlusions are also reported to validate the system in real settings.