Non-invasive near-infrared device to monitor deep brain and tissue blood flow

TRD2: Interferometric Near Infrared Spectroscopy (iNIRS)

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-11333881

This project develops affordable, non-invasive near‑infrared devices that can continuously monitor deep brain and other tissue blood flow in adults.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11333881 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would be measured with a harmless near‑infrared light device that uses interferometry and a standard camera sensor to read blood flow deep under the skin. The team turns ordinary CMOS camera pixels into sensitive detectors that pick up tiny light fluctuations from deep tissues. They will build a multi‑exposure approach and test it on adults to show it can measure brain and other organ blood flow reliably. The goal is a low‑cost, portable way to monitor deep tissue circulation without surgery or heavy imaging equipment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (21+) who can travel to the study site and who either need or volunteer for non‑invasive monitoring of brain or deep tissue blood flow, such as people with recent brain injury, stroke concerns, or healthy volunteers for device testing.

Not a fit: People under 21, those who cannot travel to the study site, or patients who require imaging or diagnostic tests that cannot be replaced by optical monitoring may not get direct benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide affordable, continuous, non‑invasive monitoring of deep tissue and brain blood flow to help detect changes in perfusion earlier and guide care.

How similar studies have performed: Previous diffuse optical spectroscopy methods have shown promise but limited clinical accuracy, and this interferometric CMOS‑based approach is newer and is being validated in humans.

Where this research is happening

Davis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.