Tomography of brain activation using a time-gated camera

We propose a system for 3D tomography using a single pulsed source and a time-gated camera for functional imaging studies. Reconstructions were based on a linear model based on small perturbation assumption, applying Tikhonov regularization. This approach was tested against simulations, demonstrating both detection and localization capabilities. Preliminary measurements on realistic inhomogeneous phantoms showed good detection sensibility, even for a low optical contrast, but poorer localization properties, possibly due to the still low SNR of the system. Finally, an initial in vivo test on a motor cortex activation paradigm is presented. © 2009 SPIE-OSA.