With NIRScout, you can measure fNIRS from anywhere on the head concurrently with (nearly) any other modality.  It is our most versatile solution for fNIRS researchers.  

 

Setup fNIRS Fast
NIRx uses the NIRScap system for an incredibly fast setup (see video of <60-second setup).


Multi-Modal Integration
NIRScout is ideal for multi-modal measurements with EEG, fMRI, eye-tracking, cochlear implants, TMS, tDCS, EMG, pulse oximetry, and other modalities for concurrent measurements.



Application-Specific Probes & Headgear

Specialized probes and headgear available for comfortable
measurements on any subject, for any application. 

 

User-Friendly, Modular, Scientifically Supported

The NIRScout is a user-friendly, modular, and robust functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) platform which measures hemodynamic responses to neuroactivation via oxy-, deoxy-, and total hemoglobin changes in the cerebral cortex. The NIRScout platform includes a host of ready-to-implement upgrades and modules to meet the needs of a broad range of cognitive neuroscience applications.

fNIRS that is Easy to Learn and Use

 

 

Connection to the NIRScout systems is quick and easy, with 'thumbscrew-style' probe connectors (shown right).

 

Our Most Versatile NIRS Solution

Optimize your NIRScout system with the precise configuration for your research. 

Source numbers:
from 8-64 (single) or 16-128 (tandem)

Source types:
Laser (2- or 4-wavelength) or LED (2-wavelength)

Detector numbers:
from 4-32 (single) or 8-64 (tandem)

Detector types: 
SiPD (active or fiber optic) APD (fiber optic)

Chassis sizes:
Standard, Extended, Extended Plus

 

NIRS Researchers Supporting NIRS Researchers

 

NIRx has been actively involved, as a company or through our internal researchers, in advancing NIRS hardware, software, and methodology for the past 30 years.  

 

We dedicate 100% of our company to selling, supporting, and advancing NIRS. 

 

We offer the highest-level scientific support to our customers, ensuring that the nuances of fNIRS are fully appreciated. 

 

You can learn more about NIRx support on our support page.    

NIRScout - The Ideal NIRS System for Concurrent NIRS/EEG

 

Freely-configurable probe arrays easily integrate with EEG and tDCS within a single NIRx NIRScap. 

 

Right: NIRScap integration with passive EEG electrodes and NIRScout NIRS 'optodes' (i.e., NIRS source and detector probes). 

 

NIRx can easily integrate with nearly any EEG electrode for concurrent NIRS/EEG measurements.  Integration with passive unshielded, passive shielded, active, and sponge electrode solutions all exist for NIRScout and NIRScap.  

Example of NIRScout + EEG Data Integration
 

Data integration with NIRScout and EEG systems is easy with event synchronization.  This may be done at the start and end of experiments, during 'trigger' events, or arbitrarily during the experiment.  

Example Right: The event trigger generated by the presentation computer is sent to the digital interface (trigger splitter), where the events are then sent to the NIRx trigger splitter box, splitting each trigger and maintaining the proper voltage, sending the even signal to the NIRS and EEG systems.  This trigger-splitting method may be used from different input devices (e.g., TMS, eye-tracking, etc.), and sent to multiple recording devices. 

NIRx fNIRS Application Overview - NIRScout

The NIRScout is excellent for multi-subject (hyperscanning measurements), especially for social and developmental applications. Movement-related noise is minimized by the innovative NIRScap and probe design.

  • BCI/Neurofeedback

  • Child measurements

  • Cochlear Implant research

  • Cognitive Disorders

  • Developmental Disorders & Psychology

  • Hyperscanning (multi-subject measurements)

  • Movement/Balance (with longer probe cables)

  • Infant Monitoring

  • Neuropathology

  • Neuropsychiatry

  • Social Interaction

  • Speech/Language

  • Stroke and Rehabilitation research

  • Traumatic Brain Injury research

  • Visual Impairment/Stimulation

Real-Time Processing of fNIRS Data

Many NIRScout end-users process their NIRScout data in real-time for brain-computer interface (BCI) and neurofeedback applications. 

The diagram below is an abstraction of both neurofeedback and BCI data flow.  

1) Physiological data are collected from a subject (e.g., fNIRS, EEG, fMRI, EKG, etc.) 

2) Feature extraction and classification are used to characterize the data (with multi-modal considerations, if available and relevant)

3) The subject data is either used for:

a) BCI-based application - controlling a  software program, robot, etc.

b) Neurofeedback, influencing the subject, thereby altering the physiological signals (ideally).  Feedback are typically visual, audible, or haptic.  

Other NIRScout Advantages

  • Capable of short-distance and multi-distance (tomography, 3D depth) measurements

  • Illumination pattern (source firing sequence) fully-customizable, which increases sampling rate

  • Can measure up to 8 subjects from a single system

  • Up to 255 triggers input, and up to 255 triggers output

  • Tandem operation: two systems used to measure data from a single subject, connected to a single recording computer

The NIRScout Extended and Extended Plus NIRS System

Technical Specifications

Maximum Sources 64 (up to 128 in tandem config.)
Maximum Detectors 32 (up to 64 in tandem config.)
Maximum Data Channel Stream 2048 (up to 4096 in tandem config.)
Sampling Rate 2.5 - 100 Hz
Source Illumination Types Hybrid Choice: LED & Laser Sources
Source Wavelengths LED: 760nm & 850nm; Laser: 785, 808, 830, & 850nm
Key Measurement Features Time multiplexing and 10e9 dynamic gain state switching
Detector Dynamic Range & Sensitivity 90 dBopt;
SiPD: < 1 pW or APD: 0.5PW
Detection Sensor Silicon Photodiode (SiPD) or Avalanche Photodiode (APD)
Trigger/Event Connection Extended: 8-bit TTL Input and Output; Standard: 4-bit TTL Input
Maximum Functional Resolution 7.5mm (with 7.5mm source-detector spacing)
Included Data Acquisition Software NIRStar
Topography Software Open format: nirsLAB, Homer2, MATLAB, etc.
Headgear NIRScaps: freely-configurable, measures whole head, fits all age ranges, multi-modal
BCI/Neurofeedback Optional module for NIRStar
Multi-modal Compatibility Built-in: EEG, tDCS, eye-tracking, motion-tracking
Requiring module: fMRI, TMS
Hyperscanning Configuration Up to 4 separate bi-lateral 16-source/8-detector arrays for 4 subjects
Multi-distance/Short-distance Probe Arrays Yes
3D Depth-discrimination Yes
Included Accessories NIRScaps, System carrying case, Strain-relief Arms, Trigger cable, Instrument PC
Optional Accessories Computer cart, Active Trigger Splitter, fMRI/TMS Compatibility, Flat and Blunt-tipped Probes, Animal NIRS Module, BCI/neurofeedback
Temperature Range 10 - 40C (operating), -15 - 70C (storage)
Spectroscopic Technique, Phase Type Continuous Wave, Single Phase
Humidity 20% - 80% Relative, Non-condensing
Power Supply Voltage and Consumption 90 to 250 VAC (50Hz - 60Hz); 175W Max
Dimensions (WxHxL), Net WeightStandard: 260mm x 170mm x 330mm, 10kg
Extended: 340mm x 170mm x 370mm, 16kg
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