Dmitry Postnov
Postdoc, International Researcher
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen
Biography
Blood flow imaging is an essential part of modern biomedical research, particularly in vascular and neurovascular physiology. Various imaging modalities are used, such as ultrasound, MRI, laser Doppler flowmetry, optical coherence tomography and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI). The latter three belong to the laser speckle based modalities and are leading technologies for contrast agent-free imaging of the microcirculation.
After a brief introduction to the general laser speckle theory, this overview will focus on LSCI, as the most extensively used tool for rapid wide-field flow characterization. We will address its technological aspects: signal to noise ratio, spatial and temporal resolution, the relation of contrast to speed; and physiological applications: vasomotion, cardiac pulsatility in the microcirculation and renal blood flow synchronization studies. As the conclusion, we will discuss the cutting edge developments in the speckle analysis and capability of LSCI to become a quantitative tool.
