Portable time-resolved diffuse correlation spectroscopy system for brain flow monitoring
This innovative system combines time-resolved NIRS and diffuse correlation spectroscopy to improve monitoring of cerebral blood flow, oxygenation, and heart rate. It addresses limitations in current CW-DCS technology by using time-of-flight resolution to differentiate between superficial and deep blood flow signals, enhancing accuracy and reliability in brain health monitoring applications.
Overview
The portable time-resolved diffuse correlation spectroscopy (TR-DCS) system is a cutting-edge development in brain health monitoring. By leveraging the strengths of time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy, this system significantly enhances the measurement of cerebral blood flow, oxygenation, and heart rate. It overcomes the limitations of traditional continuous-wave DCS (CW-DCS) by using time-of-flight (TOF) technology to separate signals from superficial and deep brain tissues, providing more accurate and reliable data.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Integrates time-resolved NIRS with diffuse correlation spectroscopy for comprehensive brain monitoring
- Utilizes time-of-flight resolution to distinguish between superficial and deep blood flow signals
- Capable of measuring cerebral blood flow, oxygen saturation, and heart rate simultaneously
- Includes a correlation board for autocorrelation function measurement and advanced signal processing using artificial neural networks
- Portable design suitable for clinical and research settings
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level 3. Initial validation has demonstrated the system's ability to accurately measure heart rate by separating superficial contamination. The next development phases will focus on enhancing the system's capabilities to measure cerebral blood flow and oxygenation, supported by dynamic phantom testing and the integration of additional features such as Transcranial Doppler.
About University of Alabama, Huntsville
The University of Alabama in Huntsville is a public research university with a STEM-intensive profile and comprehensive academic breadth. Situated in Huntsville's federal and aerospace corridor, the campus sits alongside Cummings Research Park and near Redstone Arsenal and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, enabling close collaboration with contractors, startups, and government labs. Industry engagement is embedded in sponsored research, experiential learning, and internship/co-op pathways, with work often carried out in shared or on-campus facilities near corporate R&D sites. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from NASA, the Department of Defense, and the National Science Foundation. A dedicated technology transfer office advances IP protection, licensing, and new venture formation in concert with the regional innovation ecosystem.
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