NIRScout is a powerful, modular fNIRS system designed for high-resolution brain imaging in laboratory settings. Built for flexibility and precision, it supports a wide range of research applications—from cognitive neuroscience to hyperscanning and multi-modal integration. With scalable optode configurations, real-time data monitoring, and seamless compatibility with EEG, TMS, and fMRI, NIRScout provides researchers with a customisable, high-density platform for capturing detailed hemodynamic activity. Whether you're running single-subject protocols or complex group studies, NIRScout adapts to your evolving research needs with confidence and control.
NIRScout
Designed for Precision and Versatility
NIRScout is a flexible, high-resolution functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system, purpose-built for research demanding accuracy, scalability, and integration. Whether you're mapping cortical activity during cognitive tasks, running hyperscanning experiments, or combining fNIRS with other modalities, NIRScout adapts to your research needs with precision and control. Its fibre-based architecture and modular configuration make it ideal for everything from focused investigations to large-scale studies.
Built for Multi-Modal Integration
Engineered to support advanced neuroimaging protocols, NIRScout seamlessly integrates with a wide range of neurophysiological systems, including EEG, TMS, fMRI, and eye-tracking. Its compact hardware and fibre-coupled design make it suitable for studies that require precise timing and spatial alignment between modalities. With flexible triggering options and support for shared timing across devices, NIRScout enables truly comprehensive, synchronised data collection across techniques.
Scalable Configurations for Expanding Research
Whether you're designing a simple pilot study or a complex, multi-subject setup, NIRScout’s modular design allows you to scale your system as your research grows. Choose from a wide range of source-detector layouts — from small, targeted arrays to high-density, whole-head coverage. The system supports hybrid optode configurations using both LED and laser sources, giving researchers greater flexibility over wavelength selection and tissue penetration depth.
High-Quality Data, Every Time
NIRScout is engineered to deliver robust, high-fidelity hemodynamic signals across a variety of experimental conditions. With sensitive detectors, advanced light sources, and optimised signal processing, researchers can collect clean, reproducible data even in challenging settings. The system supports real-time signal monitoring and visualisation via NIRStar, helping you maintain full control over data quality from setup to acquisition.
Comfort Meets Performance
Designed for participant comfort and data stability, NIRScout supports a wide range of customisable NIRScap headgear options to fit all age groups. Its lightweight optodes and fibre-based layout reduce motion artefacts and allow for extended sessions with minimal discomfort. The system is equally suited for use in traditional lab environments, semi-mobile setups, and even MRI environments with the appropriate configuration.
Ideal for Hyperscanning and Group Studies
With support for dual-system (tandem) operation and precise time-locking across devices, NIRScout is a reliable solution for hyperscanning applications. The system allows simultaneous measurement from multiple participants, making it an essential tool for social neuroscience, interaction studies, and group-level analyses. Researchers can design complex experimental pipelines using NIRStar’s intuitive interface, with options to save, share, and replicate workflows across teams.
Key Features:
-
Modular and Scalable – Configure system with up to 128 sources and 64 detectors, expandable further via tandem mode.
-
Multi-Modal Ready – Designed for integration with EEG, TMS, fMRI, eye-tracking, and other systems.
-
High-Density Coverage – Achieve high spatial resolution with dense optode layouts for targeted or whole-head mapping.
-
Hybrid Source Technology – Combine LED and laser light sources for optimised signal strength and depth penetration.
-
Real-Time Monitoring – Use NIRStar software for live visualisation, signal quality assessment, and adaptive experiment control.
-
Customisable Headgear – Select from a variety of NIRScap options to fit children, adults, or custom montages.
-
MRI-Compatible Options – Fibre-optic design enables safe and effective measurements in MRI environments.
-
Hyperscanning Support – Run multi-participant experiments with precise synchronisation and shared workflow management.
Sources | NSC 8 to 16 LED sources NSX 8 to 64 LED sources- single system NSX 8 to 128 LED sources - tandem configuration NSXP 8 to 64 LED sources - single system NSXP 8 to 128 LED sources - tandem configuration NSXP 8 to 32 Laser sources - single system NSXP 8 to 64 Laser sources - tandem configuration |
Detectors | NSC 4 to 24 detectors NSX 4 to 32 detectors - single system NSX 4 to 64 detectors - tandem configuration NSXP 4 to 32 detectors- single system NSXP 4 to 64 detectors - tandem configuration |
Source Illumination Types | Hybrid Choice: LED & Laser Sources |
Source Wavelengths | LED: 760nm & 850nm; Laser: 785, 808, 830, & 850nm |
Detection Sensor | Silicon Photodiode (SiPD) or Avalanche Photodiode (APD) |
Detector Dynamic Range | 90 dBopt |
Detector Sensitivity | < 1 pW or APD: 0.5pW |
Optode type | Single-tip, or specialized Dual-tip optodes (faster set-up time and better contact to skin), Blunt-Tip (infant and child applications, better comfort) |
Maximum Data Channel Stream | 2048 (up to 4096 in tandem config.) |
Multi-distance/Short-distance detectors | Yes |
Sampling Rate | 2.5 - 100 Hz |
Spectroscopic Technique, Phase Type | Continuous Wave, Single Phase |
3D Depth-discrimination | Yes |
Maximum Functional Resolution | 7.5mm (with 7.5mm source-detector spacing) |
Key Measurement Features | Time multiplexing and 10e9 dynamic gain state switching |
Hyperscanning Configuration | Up to 4 separate bi-lateral 16-source/8-detector arrays for 4 subjects |
Included Data Acquisition Software | NIRStar |
Topography Software | Open format: nirsLAB, Homer2, MATLAB, etc. |
Trigger/Event Connection | Extended: 8-bit TTL Input and Output; Standard: 4-bit TTL Input |
Headgear | NIRScaps: freely-configurable, measures whole head, fits all age ranges, multi-modal |
BCI/Neurofeedback | Optional module for NIRStar |
Multi-modal Compatibility | Built-in: EEG, tDCS/TES, eye-tracking, motion-tracking Requiring module: fMRI, MEG, TMS |
Multi-distance/Short-distance detectors | Yes, split one detector channel into 8 short channels |
Included Accessories | NIRScaps, System carrying case, strain-relief arms, Trigger cable, Instrument PC |
Optional Accessories | Computer cart, Active Trigger Splitter, fMRI/TMS compatibility, flat and blunt tipped optode, Animal fNIRS Module, BCI/neurofeedback - fully compatible with Turbo Satori software |
Temperature Range | 10 - 40 C (operating), -15 - 70 C (storage) |
Humidity | 20% - 80% Relative, Non-condensing |
Power Supply Voltage and Consumption | 90 to 250 VAC (50Hz - 60Hz); 175W Max |
Dimensions (WxHxL), Net Weight | Standard: 260mm x 170mm x 330mm, 10kg Extended: 340mm x 170mm x 370mm, 16kg |
- Functional near-infrared spectroscopy for the classification of motor-related brain activity on the sensor-level. Hramov, A.E. et al. Sensors 20(8): 2362. 2020
- Cortical hemodynamic response and connectivity modulated by sub-threshold high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Li, R. et al. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 19(13): 90. 2019
- Interpersonal neural synchrony during father-child problem solving: an fNIRS hyperscanning study. Nguyen, T. et al. Child Dev. 92(4). 2021
- NICA: A novel toolbox for near-infrared spectroscopy calculations and analyses. Raggam, P., Bauernfeind, G. and Wriessnegger, S.C. Front. Neuroinform. 14. 2020
- Anticipation of a mentally effortful task recruits Dorsolateral. Prefrontal Cortex: An fNIRS validation study. Vassena, E. et al. Neuropsychologia 4(123): 106-115. 2019
Compatible Products
This product can be used in combination with some of our other systems. Find out more by selecting one from the list below.
Added Value
In addition to supplying and supporting a wide range of neuroscience products, Brainbox offers additional value in a number of areas that can benefit our customers, including:
Training
Installation, Product Training, Technique Training, Bespoke Training
Lab Support
System Upgrades, Testing, Calibration, System Integration, Bespoke Solutions
Research Support
Study Design, Piloting, Technical Information, References
Collaboration
Grant Applications, Industrial Projects, Workshops