LIGHTNIRS

functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy System (fNIRS)

LIGHTNIRS is a portable functional near-infrared spectroscopy system designed for scientific research. An innovative approach that opens up new possibilities for future neuroscience by reducing limitations when studying cerebral functions in conditions as close to real life as possible. Using advanced scientific achievements and technologies, Shimadzu contributes to the continuous development of this field, contributing to a deeper understanding of the human brain.

How it works

This portable near-infrared functional spectroscopy system uses light that easily penetrates living tissue, allowing for non-invasive studies of brain activity. During the emission process, the light is partially scattered and absorbed, and the reflected rays are detected and analyzed. Three wavelengths provide data on changes in the concentration of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin, which reflect neuronal activity in real time. The goal is to provide more stable and reliable data. The portability of LIGHTNIRS allows for real-time visualization of brain activity in a more natural state than other methods

Flexibility of connection, measurements and mobility of use

The holder has an excellent design, which allows you to comfortably and effortlessly fix it on your head. Thanks to the ergonomic design, even hair does not interfere with the adjustment, which can be easily done through the intuitive sensitivity settings window. The system also has the ability to choose the length of the optical fibers – 1 m or 2 m, which allows you to adapt the device to different measurement conditions, increasing accuracy and convenience in work.

The two-block connection system allows you to expand the measurement area, allowing you to take measurements in wider ranges, which is very useful for different types of research. For even greater convenience, the system is equipped with a special bag that can be worn as a backpack or shoulder bag. This provides maximum mobility when taking measurements in any conditions, from laboratory to field.

In addition, the system supports the ability to connect to multiple computers, which allows up to four participants to measure simultaneously. This provides efficiency and comfort in teamwork, increasing the speed and accuracy of research. The flexibility and portability of LIGHTNIRS makes it an ideal tool for both laboratory conditions and field measurements.

Advanced features and additional options

The system provides easy control through an intuitive graphical user interface that allows you to easily configure advanced measurement and analysis parameters. It supports a number of additional options that extend functionality:

  • Video recording software — captures visual data during experiments for later analysis.
  • 3D position measurement system* — provides high reproducibility of measurements for accuracy in complex studies.
  • MRI image overlay software — allows you to combine MRI data with measurement results, expanding the analysis capabilities.
  • Stimulus presentation system* — controls the timing of sensory and auditory stimuli, which is important for psychophysiological experiments.
  • Additional analysis license — allows you to work in different research environments, increasing the flexibility of the system.
  • Real-time data transmission — important for biofeedback, providing instant monitoring and adjustment of the experiment.
  • Connection to a brain-machine interface (BMI) — allows you to integrate the system into neuroscience research.
  • Special cable for digital and analog signals — allows you to connect external equipment to expand measurement capabilities.
  • Synchronization with sensor systems and other physiological devices — provides a comprehensive approach to data collection and analysis.

* Option common to the LABNIRS series

Adaptability through choice of holders

For high-quality research, it is important to ensure reliable fixation of the sensors, which allows for accurate recording of brain activity. The LIGHTNIRS system provides two types of holders that adapt to different needs:

  • Type A holder — used to measure cognitive functions, particularly in the frontal lobe. It is ideal for analyzing brain activity in areas such as neuromarketing, educational psychology, and communication research. The measurement channels can be customized to suit the needs of the experiment.
  • Type B holder — provides multi-zone measurements, allowing analysis of not only the frontal lobe, but also motor, somatosensory, and visual areas. This makes it indispensable in exercise physiology, bioengineering, and industrial research, where detailed study of brain activity in different regions is required.

Data compatibility for effective analysis

Data acquired using the Shimadzu FOIRE-3000 or LABNIRS™ functional near-infrared spectroscopy system can be directly loaded into the data analysis software included with the LIGHTNIRS system. This allows for efficient comparison of new measurements with existing data sets. Thanks to this integration, the system can use already collected data for further analysis without the need for additional processing or conversion.