DCS measures light intensity fluctuations of blood flow in deep tissue as time passes between detection of each photon. Using fiber optic probes, a DCS system directs light from a laser into a tissue sample, and then into a single photon detector. When the laser hits the sample through the multi modal probe, light is reflected back, and its intensity is measured through the single mode probe by the photon counter. This data is then sent to an autocorrelator and a computer to undergo analysis in order to interpret them. Most DCS systems are extensive tabletop setups that require contact between the probe and the tissue sample, which is not ideal for potential clinical applications. The main goal of this project was to develop a non-contact DCS system that is non-invasive and portable, so it can be used in healthcare settings. A non-contact system prevents cross contamination and skewing of blood flow in the tissue sample, as well as offers a less expensive diagnostic tool option. Most importantly, it can greatly benefit certain patients who may have difficulty undergoing medical tests such as young children, emergency patients, and chronic pain patients. This research project was able to extensively study non-contact DCS and develop a potential non-contact DCS set-up. Additionally, malfunctions within the DCS system were identified and fixed to allow for accurate data collection. Overall, non-contact DCS was explored in depth in order to apply it to healthcare settings.
Author: Audrey Mannella, Biological Physics
Mentor: Karthik Vishwanath, Department of Physics
Harshini Sunil, Department of Physics