Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIR)

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIR) is a wearable near-infrared spectroscopy based system that enables the continuous, noninvasive, and safe monitoring of changes in blood oxygenation and blood volume related to human brain function. fNIR sends a light that has a specific frequency from many sources (depends on fNIR model and band) to detect hemodynamic response (through detector sensors) in prefrontal cortex.

Biopac produces several fNIR models, with different number of detectors and communication and Neuro-Cognitive Interaction Lab has fNIR Model 1200S. Model 1200S has a pad that includes 16 channels (16 detectors) distributed over the prefrontal cortex. Running fNIR experiment needs two software programs: COBI Studio and fnirSoft.

Cognitive Optical Brain Imaging (COBI) Studio is a hardware integrated software platform designed for functional Near Infrared (fNIR) Spectroscopy imaging systems. COBI Studio collects data from fNIR Imager hardware using either wire cable or wireless connection. COBI Studio has a configurable user interface. Users can adjust the view and change visualization options to accommodate their needs. Here for more details about how to setup and use COBI Studio

fnirSoft is a stand-alone software package designed to process, analyze and visualize functional near infrared (fNIR) spectroscopy signals through a graphical user interface and/or scripting (for automation). fnirSoft processes, analyzes and visualizes data collected by COBI Studio. COBI Studio generates different files (such as .oxy and .nir) that are opened and manipulated by fnirSoft. Click here for fnirSoft user manual.