A multichannel wearable fNIRS-EEG system can feature 128 channels. This advanced setup allows for comprehensive brain activity monitoring by leveraging multiple source-detector pairings.
Understanding fNIRS Channels
In functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), a "channel" refers to a specific measurement pathway between a light source and a light detector. These channels are crucial for capturing changes in blood oxygenation levels in the brain, which in turn reflect neuronal activity.
What Defines an fNIRS Channel?
- Source-Detector Pair: Each channel is typically formed by one light source (emitter) and one light detector.
- Light Path: Light from the source penetrates the scalp and skull, reaching the cerebral cortex, and is then scattered and absorbed before some of it returns to be picked up by the detector.
- Data Point: Each unique source-detector pair provides a distinct data point, offering insights into localized brain activity.
Typical Channel Count in Advanced Systems
For a multichannel wearable fNIRS-EEG system, the sophisticated design allows for a high density of measurements. In such configurations, each light source can be coupled to four detectors, resulting in a robust total of 128 fNIRS channels. This extensive channel count is vital for creating detailed maps of brain function.
Benefits of High Channel Counts
The inclusion of a large number of channels, such as 128, offers significant advantages in neuroimaging:
- Enhanced Spatial Resolution: More channels mean more data points, leading to a finer-grained understanding of where brain activity is occurring.
- Comprehensive Coverage: A high channel count allows for broader coverage of cortical regions, providing a more complete picture of brain networks.
- Improved Signal Quality: Redundancy and proximity of channels can help in mitigating noise and artifacts, leading to more reliable data.
To summarize the channel count:
| System Type | Channel Count | Configuration Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Multichannel Wearable fNIRS-EEG System | 128 | Each source is coupled to four detectors. |
