Optical imaging and spectroscopy for the study of the human brain: status report

This report is the second part of a comprehensive two-part series aimed at reviewing an extensive and diverse toolkit of novel methods to explore brain health and function. While the first report focused on neurophotonic tools mostly applicable to animal studies, here, we highlight optical spectroscopy and imaging methods relevant to noninvasive human brain studies. We outline current state-of-the-art technologies and software advances, explore the most recent impact of these technologies on neuroscience and clinical applications, identify the areas where innovation is needed, and provide an outlook for the future directions. (c) The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Distribution or reproduction of this work in whole or in part requires full attribution of the original publication, including its DOI.

Automated summary

This report is the second part of a comprehensive series, focusing on novel methods to explore brain health and function. It specifically highlights optical spectroscopy and imaging methods relevant to noninvasive human brain studies, outlines current state-of-the-art technologies and software advances, explores their impact on neuroscience and clinical applications, identifies areas for innovation, and provides an outlook for future directions.