The Adult Head Phantom is a homogeneous biophotonics phantom designed to replicate the general shape and optical properties of the adult human head, specifically for use in functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) and diffuse optical imaging.
This phantom is ideal for validating and calibrating optical probes intended for human use. Available in both half-head and full-head configurations, it provides a flexible and anatomically relevant platform for researchers and engineers developing or testing brain imaging systems.
The adult head phantom simulates light transport through brain tissue using tissue-equivalent optical parameters, with customizable absorption and scattering values. An off-the-shelf model is also available in the half-head configuration, with optical properties set to:
-
Absorption coefficient (μa): 0.2 cm⁻¹
-
Reduced scattering coefficient (μs’): 10 cm⁻¹
These values correspond to commonly used benchmarks in diffuse optics for brain tissue studies.
Key Features & Benefits
✔ Anatomical Head Shape – Based on adult cranial geometry for accurate optical probe positioning and light propagation testing.
✔ Homogeneous Optical Properties – Provides stable, reproducible measurements for system validation and comparative studies.
✔ fNIRS & Brain Imaging Applications – Developed specifically for functional near-infrared spectroscopy and other diffuse optical techniques.
✔ Two Configurations Available:
-
Half Head – Lightweight and easy to handle; ideal for benchtop testing. It comes with a stand, ideal to position the phantom while taking measurements.
-
Full Head – Provides complete cranial geometry for more comprehensive experimental setups.
✔ Customizable Optical Parameters – Tailor the absorption and reduced scattering coefficients to meet your research needs.
✔ Off-the-Shelf Option for Half Head – Pre-configured with standard brain-like optical values, suitable for quick deployment.
✔ Durable & Reusable – Built from long-lasting, optically stable materials for extended laboratory use.
Why Choose the Adult Head Phantom?
🔹 It provides an anatomically relevant platform for validating optical brain probes in controlled, reproducible conditions.
🔹 It’s specifically designed for fNIRS system calibration and research, enabling accurate assessment of sensor sensitivity, spatial resolution, and signal processing pipelines.
🔹 It offers flexibility – choose between an off-the-shelf half-head phantom or a fully customized solution based on your optical design.
Applications
🧠 fNIRS Device Testing – Evaluate probe geometry, signal detection, and light propagation behavior under realistic head curvature.
📊 Functional Brain Imaging Validation – Benchmark algorithms and instrumentation for cerebral hemodynamics measurement.
⚙️ Quality Assurance in Optical Device Manufacturing – Ensure reliability and consistency across batches of wearable brain imaging devices.
🏥 Preclinical and Translational Research – Bridge the gap between theoretical modeling and real-world testing.
🧪 Educational and Training Platforms – Provide students and clinicians with a hands-on tool for understanding diffuse optical imaging on head models.
The Adult Head Phantom is a reliable, anatomically relevant tool for researchers and developers working in non-invasive optical brain imaging. With customizable optical properties and flexible configurations, it supports rigorous testing and validation of fNIRS systems and other diffuse optical techniques in a consistent, reproducible setup.
📩 Need a custom version or ready to order the off-the-shelf model? Contact us to discuss your project and get a quote.
