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Artinis Brite MKIII fNIRS

The Artinis Brite MKIII is a wearable, multi-channel functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system for non-invasive measurement of cerebral oxygenation. It is designed for mobile and real-world research scenarios and supports flexible optode configurations across cortical regions.

Artinis Brite

Images © Artinis Medical Systems. Used for documentation and identification purposes.

Overview

Brite MKIII is a continuous-wave fNIRS system that measures relative changes in oxyhemoglobin (O₂Hb), deoxyhemoglobin (HHb), and total hemoglobin (tHb) using near-infrared light. It uses LED light sources and photodiode detectors mounted on a lightweight headcap, enabling recordings during movement and outside laboratory environments.

The system supports both online streaming and offline recording and integrates tightly with the OxySoft software suite for acquisition, visualization, synchronization, and analysis.

Measurement Principles

  • Technology: Continuous-wave near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)
  • Model: Modified Beer–Lambert law
  • Measures:
  • Oxyhemoglobin (O₂Hb)
  • Deoxyhemoglobin (HHb)
  • Total hemoglobin (tHb)
  • Tissue Saturation Index (TSI)

Measurements are relative concentration changes and are suitable for functional and physiological studies.

Optodes and Channels

  • Transmitters: 10 LEDs, each emitting at two wavelengths
  • Receivers: 8 photodiodes
  • Wavelengths: 760 nm and 850 nm (custom wavelengths available)
  • Channels:
  • Up to 27 channels with one Brite MKIII
  • Up to 54 channels using a dual-Brite configuration

Inter-Optode Configuration

  • Inter-optode distance: 10 mm to 55 mm
  • Supports:
  • Standard channels (e.g. 30 mm)
  • Short separation channels (e.g. 10 mm)

Short separation channels can be configured using the multi-power gain control, with optional expansion via a short-separation channel splitter.

Multi-Power Gain Control

Each channel supports four optical power levels, selectable manually or automatically. This allows adaptation to:

  • Different scalp regions
  • Hair types and density
  • Skin pigmentation
  • Age groups
  • Optode separation distances

The goal is to maintain optimal signal quality across participants and recording conditions.

Motion and Orientation Sensing

  • Integrated orientation sensor:
  • 3-axis accelerometer
  • 3-axis gyroscope

Motion data can be used to monitor head movements and support artifact handling during analysis.

Data Acquisition and Storage

  • Sample rate: up to 150 Hz
  • Maximum rates depend on the number of active channels
  • Data collection:
  • Online (live streaming)
  • Offline recording (100+ hours supported)
  • Automatic data backup supported

Wireless Communication and Synchronization

  • Bluetooth connectivity for live data streaming
  • Hardware synchronization options:
  • PortaSync
  • Parallel cable
  • Serial cable
  • LabStreamer
  • Software synchronization options:
  • Lab Streaming Layer (LSL)
  • DCOM (e.g. MATLAB, E-Prime, Presentation)

Multiple Brite devices can be connected simultaneously and synchronized within a single data stream.

Software: OxySoft

All Brite MKIII systems are bundled with OxySoft, which provides:

  • Real-time visualization of fNIRS signals
  • Online calculation of O₂Hb, HHb, tHb, and TSI
  • Data storage and export
  • Integrated synchronization (LSL)
  • Optional 3D digitization workflow
  • Support for multimodal experiments

Supported operating systems: - Windows 10 - Windows 11 (beta)

3D Digitization

Brite MKIII supports precise optode position digitization using Polhemus systems (e.g. Patriot, Fastrak, Viper). When combined with the OxySoft 3D extension, optode locations can be recorded and stored directly within the acquisition software.

Multimodal Compatibility

The system can be combined with other techniques in a single headcap, including:

  • EEG
  • Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES: tDCS, tACS, tRNS)
  • EMG, ECG, and other biosignals

The device is designed to avoid electromagnetic interference with these modalities.

Physical Characteristics

  • Total weight: 300 g (including battery and headcap)
  • Battery housing dimensions: 85 × 85 × 30 mm
  • Headcaps:
  • Multiple sizes available
  • Pediatric versions supported (from ~2 years old)
  • Adult sizes XS to XL
  • Indicators:
  • Power
  • Measuring status
  • Battery status
  • Bluetooth connection

Power and Environment

  • Battery life: up to 3 hours (longer with power bank support)
  • Charging: external charger or power bank
  • Operating temperature: 10 °C to 35 °C

Typical Applications

  • Brain oxygenation monitoring
  • Functional brain studies
  • Cerebral and cognitive research
  • Sports and exercise science
  • Hyperscanning (multiple participants or large cortical coverage)
  • Multimodal and mobile neuroscience experiments

Manufacturer

Artinis Medical Systems
Elst, The Netherlands

The device is intended for research use only.

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