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What is fNIRS?

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a specialized research optical imaging technique that uses near-infrared light to examine the function of the living brain. Research participants can be standing, sitting, lying down, or even engaged in active behaviors (walking, driving, exercising) while receiving an fNIRS scan. Small probes are placed on the top of the head using a cap. There is no sensation of any kind from the infrared light, and it is not harmful. A participant might be asked to engage in a variety of activities during an fNIRS scan. Some activities might involve passively listening to sounds or seeing flashes, or performing learning, memory or other behavioral tasks. Participants might also be asked to play certain games or engage in activities on the computer or with an experimenter during the scan. 

NIRS Lab Equipment 

Our lab provides the tools and space for researchers to carry out their fNIRS projects. Visit our wiki to get more detailed information on our equipment and operations. 

The core instrumentation provided by the NIRS Lab are four, NIRx NIRSport2 devices. These devices are compact and portable systems that allow for full-head coverage to enable imaging of cortical brain networks. They offer the use of a variety of probe types and are designed for increased sensitivity and comfort. They are also fully MR-compatible, allowing for concurrent fNIRS-fMRI scans. 

Additionally, we have available the NIRx NIRScoutXP, which is a user-friendly and robust fNIRS device. It comes with either high performance LEDs, lasers or multi-wavelength laser sources and either value SiPD or best-in-class APD detectors allowing for flexibility. Our NIRScoutXP configuration contains 8 Laser/16 LED/ 16 APD and a set of 10m MRI compatible ultra-flat-tipped fibers (8 sources x 8 detectors) for concurrent fNIRS & fMRI measurements. Our NIRx Borealis is another device that can be used for concurrent fNIRS & fMRI. 

Besides fNIRS devices, we offer the use of Pupil Lab's eye tracking glasses, which can be incorporated into fNIRS data streams. 

NIRS Lab Facilities

Our lab is located at 1520 Page Mill Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304. We have a dedicated NIRS room and research area with audio and video recording capabilities. 

Image source: NIRx