NIRScout Advantages

The NIRScout is user-friendly, modular, and a 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.

NIRScout (NSC) Advantages:

• Ability to measure both topographic and tomographic measurements, can freely place probes anywhere on the cortex.
• Modular design allows for easy and efficient upgrades and increased coverage, when needed.
• Hyperscanning: single system can synchronously collect measurements from multiple participants simultaneously.
• Illumination pattern (source firing sequence) fully customizable, which increases sampling rate, and prevents crosstalk.
• Up to 255 triggers input, and up to 255 triggers output.

NIRScout Extended Plus (NSXP) Advantages:

• Can be configured to use laser sources, LED sources, or both, depending on your research needs.
• Fiber based system allows for safe data collection within MR.
• Ability to use 4-wavelength and 8-wavelength sources. Used for detecting additional chromophores beyond hemoglobin (i.e. Cytochrome c oxidase).
• Flat fibers and optodes allow for data collection for concurrent TMS and fNIRS applications.
• Has expanded coverage, beyond our standard NIRScout system.

Functionality

Set up fNIRS Fast
NIRx uses the NIRScap and proprietary signal optimization procedure for an incredibly fast setup (see video of <60-second setup).

High data quality

Sampling rate of 100Hz, sensitivity of SiPD: < 1 pW or APD: 0.5pW, with a high dynamic range of 90 dBopt.

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

Application-Specific Probes & Headgear

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

FAQ

What makes the NIRScout suitable for a wide range of cognitive neuroscience applications?

The NIRScout is a modular, user-friendly fNIRS platform that supports both topographic and tomographic measurements. Its flexible probe placement allows researchers to cover any region of the cortex, and its modular design makes it easy to upgrade for increased channel count as study requirements grow.

Can the NIRScout be used for hyperscanning?

Yes. The NIRScout supports hyperscanning with a single system, enabling simultaneous fNIRS recording from two participants. This makes it well-suited for social neuroscience research and studies requiring real-time brain-to-brain interaction paradigms.

What hemoglobin signals does the NIRScout measure?

The NIRScout measures oxy-hemoglobin (HbO), deoxy-hemoglobin (HbR), and total hemoglobin changes in the cerebral cortex, providing a comprehensive picture of hemodynamic responses to cognitive or sensory stimulation.

How does the modular design work?

The NIRScout's modular architecture means additional source and detector modules can be added to expand channel coverage without replacing the entire system. This protects your investment and allows the system to grow with your research program.

What software comes with the NIRScout?

The NIRScout is compatible with NIRx's NIRStar acquisition software and integrates with Aurora fNIRS analysis software. It also supports LSL streaming for synchronization with EEG, eye tracking, and other devices in multimodal setups.