Learning Paths
The Learning Paths provide structured guidance for using the research infrastructure in a safe and fair way.
This documentation website gathers all relevant resources for each device: technical specifications, practical guides, video tutorials, and links to external material. While all resources are available individually, the Learning Paths organize them into a coherent process. Their purpose is to help users operate equipment correctly, but also to ensure that safety regulations, booking procedures, and other considerations are properly understood before any data acquisition begins.
Every person who approaches the infrastructure does so with the intention of using one or more devices. Regardless of the specific device or research design, all users must follow a common process regarding their training using the learning paths.
Foundation: Mandatory for All Users
Before engaging with any device, every user must read:
- Introduction – to understand the scope and intended use of the infrastructure.
- Access & Safety – to understand the official regulation, fair-use principles, booking system procedures, and sign-off responsibilities.
Familiarity with these pages is mandatory. Access to the booking system and use of the equipment presupposes understanding and compliance with these rules.
Understanding the Signals
For users interested in brain sensing devices, it is essential to first understand the nature of the signals being measured.
EEG and fNIRS data consist primarily of multi-channel time-series recordings. These signals are sensitive to noise, artifacts, placement accuracy, and acquisition parameters. Before selecting a device, users must understand the basic physiological mechanisms and signal properties underlying the modality they intend to use.
Brain Signal Measurement and Sensing
EEG users should read the Signal Basics – EEG page.
This page covers:
- The biological basis of EEG signals
- What EEG measures and typical signal characteristics
- Frequency bands and their functional significance
- Event-related potentials (ERPs)
- Sources of noise and artifacts
- The international 10–20 electrode placement system
- Temporal resolution and sampling considerations
fNIRS users should read the Signal Basics – fNIRS page.
This page covers:
- Principles of functional near-infrared spectroscopy
- Hemodynamic response and neurovascular coupling
- Optode placement and light penetration depth
- Signal characteristics and temporal resolution
- Common artifacts and noise sources
- Advantages and limitations of fNIRS measurements
Eye-tracking users should consult the Signal Basics – Eye-Tracking section.
This page covers:
- Principles of eye-tracking technology
- Gaze position, fixations, and saccades
- Pupillometry and cognitive load
- Calibration procedures
- Common challenges and artifacts
- Applications in cognitive research
Device-Specific Guides
After completing the foundational and signal-related material, users proceed to device-specific documentation.
Each device page contains:
- Technical specifications
- Intended use considerations
- Video demonstrations
- Setup procedures
- Data recording guidelines
Users interested in a specific device must review its documentation carefully before booking or conducting a session.
EEG Devices
There are four EEG systems available in the infrastructure. The appropriate choice depends on study design, required signal quality, electrode flexibility, preparation time, and experimental constraints.
BioSemi ActiveTwo Mk2
The BioSemi ActiveTwo Mk2 is a research-grade, gel-based 32-channel system arranged according to the 10–20 layout. It supports high acquisition frequency and is appropriate for controlled laboratory experiments requiring precise signal quality.
However, it requires substantial preparation and cleaning time due to the use of gel and cap-based electrodes. This should be taken into account when planning sessions.
Bitbrain Portable Devices
The Bitbrain systems are portable EEG solutions that allow greater flexibility in deployment. While acquisition frequency may be lower compared to research-grade laboratory systems, they remain appropriate for many experimental contexts. Like all non-invasive EEG systems, they are inherently sensitive to noise and movement artifacts.
Dry EEG Systems:
Dry systems allow fast setup without gel preparation. However, electrode locations are fixed. Users must therefore consider whether the predefined electrode layout corresponds to the cortical regions relevant to their research question.
The Bitbrain Diadem is a dry EEG headset with fixed electrode layout.
Key characteristics:
- Fast setup without gel preparation
- Fixed electrode locations (cannot be adjusted)
- Portable and suitable for quick recordings
- Lower signal quality compared to gel-based systems
Consider this device when:
- Setup time is limited
- Electrode placement flexibility is not critical
- Portability is important
- The predefined electrode layout matches your regions of interest
The Bitbrain Hero is a dry EEG headset optimized for portability and ease of use.
Key characteristics:
- Fast setup without gel preparation
- Fixed electrode locations (cannot be adjusted)
- Portable and user-friendly design
- Lower signal quality compared to gel-based systems
Consider this device when:
- Setup time is limited
- Electrode placement flexibility is not critical
- Portability is important
- The predefined electrode layout matches your regions of interest
The Bitbrain Versatile 16 is a portable semi-dry system using tap or filtered water. It offers 16 channels that can be manually arranged according to the 10–20 system, providing greater flexibility in electrode placement. This flexibility comes with moderate preparation and post-session handling requirements.
fNIRS Devices
The infrastructure includes two fNIRS systems, both manufactured by Artinis:
The Artinis OctaMon is a compact 8-channel fNIRS system.
Key characteristics:
- 8 channels for targeted cortical measurements
- Suitable for focused regions of interest
- Straightforward optode placement
- Portable and relatively quick setup
Consider this device when:
- Your study focuses on a specific cortical region
- You need a simpler optode configuration
- Setup time should be minimized
The Artinis Brite MKIII is a high-density fNIRS system.
Key characteristics:
- High-density optode configuration
- Flexible placement across broader cortical areas
- More complex setup planning required
- Longer preparation time
Consider this device when:
- Your study requires broader cortical coverage
- You need flexible optode configurations
- High spatial resolution is important
- Extended setup time is acceptable
Device selection depends primarily on the target cortical regions defined in the study design and the required optode configuration. Users must evaluate which configuration best supports their experimental goals.
Eye-Tracking and Multi-Modal Use
Eye-tracking can be used independently or in combination with EEG or fNIRS systems.
The Pupil Core is a head-mounted eye tracker with scene camera.
Key characteristics:
- Head-mounted design for naturalistic viewing
- Scene camera captures visual context
- Suitable for mobile experiments
- Requires calibration procedures
The Pupil Neon is the next-generation wearable eye tracker.
Key characteristics:
- Enhanced data quality over Pupil Core
- Improved usability and comfort
- Advanced calibration methods
- Better integration capabilities
Multi-Modal Use
Users planning multimodal acquisition must also consult the Multi-Modal Data Acquisition guidelines to ensure proper synchronization and methodological consistency.
Cleaning and Hygiene
Cleaning and hygiene procedures are mandatory components of every learning path.
All users must read the Cleaning and Hygiene section before conducting sessions. This ensures:
- Proper device maintenance
- Participant safety
- Compliance with laboratory standards
Cleaning procedures must be followed immediately after each session.
Sign-Off Procedures
After completing a session, users must follow the device sign-off procedures described in the Access & Safety section. This includes updating booking records and reporting any issues observed during use.
Proper sign-off ensures accountability and maintains the integrity of shared equipment.
