Cerebral Blood Flow Measurement by Laser

Master Thesis (2025)
Author(s)

X. You (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)

Contributor(s)

B. Zhang – Mentor (TU Delft - Optical Technologies)

N Bhattacharya – Mentor (TU Delft - ImPhys/Medical Imaging)

Faculty
Mechanical Engineering
More Info
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Graduation Date
20-08-2025
Awarding Institution
Delft University of Technology
Programme
['Mechanical Engineering | Optomechatronics']
Faculty
Mechanical Engineering
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Abstract

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is a valuable physiological parameter for the diagnosis of brain function and disease. A number of optical techniques have been developed to estimate CBF non-invasively with high spatial and temporal resolutions with the benefit that no contrast dyes or surgical procedures are required.

In this project, we present a novel coherence-gated iSVS approach that leverages a low-cost, low-coherence laser diode to selectively filter out photons from superficial layers—eliminating the need for long SD separations. This strategy dramatically improves light throughput and spatial resolution while reducing system cost. Our method offers a practical and scalable solution for high-resolution, depth-sensitive CBF imaging.

To validate the system, experiments were performed using tissue-mimicking phantoms, where a programmable pump generated controlled flow patterns. The results demonstrate the technique’s potential for high-resolution, real-time assessment of cerebral hemodynamics, offering a promising tool for both clinical and research applications.

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