Laser speckle is the random interference pattern produced when coherent light scatters from a medium that can be imaged onto a detector such as a camera. Motion from scattering particles, such as red blood cells in the vasculature, leads to spatial and temporal variations in the speckle pattern. The Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) technology, also known as the Laser Speckle Imaging (LSI), is an imaging modality based on the analysis of the blurring effect of the speckle pattern.  LSCI utilizes intrinsic tissue contrast from dynamic light scattering to offer a reliable technique for direct visualizing detailed spatiotemporal dynamics of blood flow changes in real-time, which is full-field rapid imaging with high spatiotemporal resolution, and also being non-invasive, non-contact.  

Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging System vs Laser Doppler Flowmetry
Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) has been used for decades as a golden standard for confirming a successful stroke model by showing at least 75% blood flow decrease from baseline. LDF detects blood flow changes in a focal spot limited by its probe size, and presents the data as a linear graph with no sptial resolution. Although LDF can provide perfusion imaging by scanning LDF (SLDF) or laser doppler imaging (LDI), but its spatial/temporal resolution could not meet the standards for a realtime monitring method. The LSCI is superior to SLDF/LDI by offering a full-field high-resolution fast imaging method which is about 100 times higher in sptial resolution, and almost 10 thousand times faster than SLDF/LDI. Obviously the emerging LSCI will be a much better method than LDF for in vivo confirmation of a successful stroke model and will become the upgraded golden standard from LDF in stroke modeling. Because of being able to provide quantitative analyses of perfusion data, the LSCI system could also help with the quality control of stroke models.

RFLSI-ZW laser speckle imaging system is based on laser speckle contrast imaging technology (LSCI). With its advanced optical design and improved image processing algorithm, RFLSI-ZW shows greater performance in image field size, image quality, full-field frame rate and optical resolution, and provides a powerful and efficient means for human and animal tissue microcirculation measurement. The system provides quantitative perfusion data and comprehensive analyses.

 
Typical images obtained in mouse distal MCAO model. (Wan et al. 2022 )

Highlights Of RFLSI-ZW

• It can image any exposed tissue (skin or surgically exposed tissues) and species.
• It provides quantitative perfusion data and comprehensive analyses.
• It is non-contact, and does not use contrast agents for visualing blood vessels.
• The built-in CMOS global shutter camera can achieve faster data acquisition and processing speed.
• Best optical resolution of 3.9 μm/pixel, providing more detailed tissue structures.
• Max frame rate (full field) up to 100 fps, acquiring real-time changes in larger areas.
• Motorized 10x optical zoom and auto focus.
• Image size ranges from 0.57×0.75 to 22.5×30 cm2 in all-in-one imager, covering multiple research applications.
• Fast auto focusin and fine manual focus.
• Optimal lens assembly which filters ambient and reflecting light.
• Class 1 of measuring and indicating lasers, safe to use without eye protection System
• Equiped with laser stability hardware enabling reliable and consistent measurement over minutes, hours and days.
• Calibration with calibration box. Self-calibration is possible at any time to keep the equipment in optimal working condition.
• Trigger In/Out BNC connections for communication with external devices.
• Unlimited installation of analysis software in PC.

Specifications

Download the brochure for RFLSI ZW Laser Speckle Imaging System

Since 2019, our imaging system has been adopted by more than 100 colleges, universities, and research institutes worldwide such as Stanford University School of Medicine, university of manchester, UC Davis, Duke university. What’s more, it has contributed to publishing more than 60 reputed research papers in magazines like Nature communications, Blood, Diabetes, and Theranostic.

Selected References:

Wan, T., Zhu, W., Zhao, Y. et al. Astrocytic phagocytosis contributes to demyelination after focal cortical ischemia in mice. Nat Commun 13, 1134 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-28777-9

Yin, L., Yu, T., Cheng, L. et al. Laser speckle contrast imaging for blood flow monitoring in predicting outcomes after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice. BMC Neurosci 23, 80 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12868-022-00769-x

Zhou, C, Zhu, T, Ni, W, et al. Gain-of-function of progesterone receptor membrane component 2 ameliorates ischemic brain injury. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2023; 00: 1- 17. https://doi.org/10.1111/cns.14122