Practical Introduction to the Cortivision DOT-fNIRS Ecosystem
Instructors: Dariusz Zapała, Paweł Augustynowicz
About this course
This intensive three-hour workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to Diffuse Optical Tomography Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (DOT-fNIRS) research, covering the entire workflow within the Cortivision hardware-software ecosystem. The session guides participants through the fundamental principles, advantages, and limitations of DOT-fNIRS while focusing on developing practical skills from start to finish. Attendees will utilize the fNIRS Spectrum C23 system to define optode positions using a custom cap builder and record signals in CortiView 2 software. The training includes critical methodological considerations such as ROI selection, dense-array optode montage creation, and the application of age-specific head models. Participants will engage in hands-on demonstrations regarding participant setup, specifically hair management and motion mitigation to ensure real-time signal quality. The workshop transitions to data analysis within CortiPrism 2, where attendees learn preprocessing, noise reduction, and image reconstruction techniques. By bridging cutting-edge technology and research applications, this workshop equips researchers at all levels with the expertise to navigate common challenges and interpret fNIRS findings effectively.
What will you learn?
This workshop provides practical training for early-career researchers, bridging knowledge of DOT-fNIRS technology with its applications in addressing new research problems. Its novelty lies in its comprehensive, hands-on coverage of the entire DOT-fNIRS workflow, from custom cap design to signal processing, data analysis, and interpretation. While there is an increasing understanding of the benefits of using DOT-fNIRS, there are currently a limited number of tools available for new researchers to get started with this technology.
Course details
Course duration
3 hours
Prerequisites and/or other notes
N/A
Delivery plan
15 minutes: Welcome&Introduction to DOT-fNIRS
Format: Lecture/Discussion
Key Activities & Learning Outcomes: Overview of fNIRS/DOT-fNIRS, principles, advantages, and limitations.
30 minutes: Custom Cap Design
Format: Lecture/Hands-on
Key Activities & Learning Outcomes: Presentation of cap design, ROI selection, and optode montage in CortiView 2 software.
35 minutes: Preparing the Cortivision Spectrum C23 fNIRS system & Participant Setup
Format: Lecture/Hands-on
Key Activities & Learning Outcomes: Overview of Spectrum C23 system components, optodes calibration, and participant preparation (hair management, cable management, motion mitigation). Demonstrate fitting the cap, ensuring good optode coupling, and real-time signal quality assessment
25 minutes: Conducting the DOT-fNIRS Recording
Format: Lecture/Demo
Key Activities&Learning Outcomes: Discuss data acquisition best practices, event marking, and troubleshooting.
30 minutes: Preliminary Signal Processing
Format: Hands-on
Key Activities & Learning Outcomes: Explain preprocessing steps and noise reduction techniques in the CortiPrism 2 software.
30 minutes: Data Analysis&Interpretation
Format: Hands-on
Key Activities & Learning Outcomes: Introduce statistical approaches, data visualization (including image reconstruction), and common interpretation challenges in CortiPrism 2 software.
15 minutes: Q&A&Workshop Conclusion
Format: Discussion
Key Activities&Learning Outcomes: Summary of key takeaways, discussion of future directions in DOT-fNIRS, and open Q&A.
Why should you enroll in this course?
The rationale for this workshop stems from the growing recognition of the benefits of Diffuse Optical Tomography (DOT), contrasted against the limited tools currently available for new researchers to begin using the technology. By bridging the gap between cutting-edge hardware and its application to new research problems, the session provides essential practical training for early-career scientists. The core goal is to develop comprehensive skills from start to finish by equipping participants with both foundational theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. Attendees are guided through the entire research pipeline, from custom cap design and real-time signal recording in CortiView 2 to sophisticated data analysis and image reconstruction in CortiPrism. Ultimately, the workshop fosters the acquisition of new skills and professional engagement through hands-on demonstrations and interactive Q&A sessions.