Portable System for Time-Domain Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy

We introduce a portable system for clinical studies based on time-domain diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS). After evaluating different lasers and detectors, the final system is based on a pulsed laser with about 550 ps pulsewidth, a coherence length of 38 mm, and two types of single-photon avalanche diodes (SPAD). The higher efficiency of the red-enhanced SPAD maximizes detection of the collected light, increasing the signal-to-noise ratio, while the better timing response of the CMOS SPAD optimizes the selection of late photons and increases spatial resolution. We discuss component selection and performance, and we present a full characterization of the system, measurement stability, a phantom-based validation study, and preliminary in vivo results collected from the forearms and the foreheads of four healthy subjects. With this system, we are able to resolve blood flow changes 1 cm below the skin surface with improved depth sensitivity and spatial resolution with respect to continuous wave DCS.