New insights for time-domain diffuse optics: instrumentation and approaches

In the last years, several advancements in Time-Domain Diffuse Optics (TD-DO) instrumentation have opened the way to both unexpected performances (light harvesting capability mainly) as well as to a level of miniaturization similar to that achieved by continuous wave systems. Such a boost in the light harvesting capability (mainly achieved by introducing Silicon PhotoMultipliers, SiPMs) has also led to a new way for performing measurements, breaking down the single-photon statistics rules, which frustrated the capability of following fast dynamics. In addition, new detectors such as Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detector (SNSPDs) have been proposed for TD-DO systems, though this disruptive technology typically lacks scalability (i.e. large arrays are missing). Within the fastMOT project (Horizon Europe funded project, G.A. 101099291), we are developing a new camera featuring 10000 pixels SNSPD array for both TD-DO as well as Speckle Contrast Optical Spectroscopy. All these advancements in the instrumentation, as well as their implications in the measurement approaches and possible applications, will be discussed in this talk.