Abstract
This article reviews diffuse optical brain imaging, a technique that employs near-infrared
light to non-invasively probe the brain for changes in parameters relating to brain
function. We describe the general methodology, including types of measurements and
instrumentation (including the tradeoffs inherent in the various instrument components),
and the basic theory required to interpret the recorded data. A brief review of diffuse
optical applications is included, with an emphasis on research that has been done
with psychiatric populations. Finally, we discuss some practical issues and limitations
that are relevant when conducting diffuse optical experiments. We find that, while
diffuse optics can provide substantial advantages to the psychiatric researcher relative
to the alternative brain imaging methods, the method remains substantially underutilized
in this field.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
July 16,
2002
Received in revised form:
July 8,
2002
Received:
February 20,
2002
Identification
Copyright
© 2002 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
