1【Mind-Equipment Integration】Laboratory Empowerment Program Introduction
"What is above form is called the Way; what is below form is called equipment" —"Book of Changes"
Way refers to universal laws that transcend specific things, and psychological research can be called the Way; equipment refers to operable and perceivable technical tools, and laboratory equipment can be called equipment.
The【Mind-Equipment Integration】Laboratory Empowerment Program is organized by the Laboratory of the Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences at Tsinghua University. Its purpose is to help faculty and students master experimental equipment, understand psychological mechanisms, and deepen theoretical cognition through technical operations.
2 Near-Infrared Brain Functional Imaging System Introduction
Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive, safe and convenient brain function detection technology that conducts real-time monitoring of cerebral cortex blood oxygen metabolic changes through near-infrared light (wavelength 650-950 nm), thereby indirectly reflecting neural activity. Its principle is based on neurovascular coupling mechanism: when specific brain regions are activated, local blood flow and oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) concentration increase, while deoxygenated hemoglobin (HbR) concentration decreases. This hemodynamic response can be detected through the absorption and scattering characteristics of near-infrared light in biological tissue.
A typical fNIRS system consists of a light source module (emitting specific wavelength near-infrared light), detectors (receiving light signals that penetrate tissue), data acquisition module, and analysis software. Through multi-channel probe arrangement, the system can cover specific brain regions and generate two-dimensional/three-dimensional blood oxygen dynamic maps. Compared to fMRI, fNIRS has higher temporal resolution (up to 10 Hz), lower equipment cost, and stronger tolerance to motion artifacts; compared to EEG, it provides more direct blood oxygen metabolic information. Its portability supports brain function research in natural contexts (such as free movement, interpersonal interaction), particularly suitable for long-term monitoring of infants, elderly groups, and psychiatric patients.
This technology is widely applied in cognitive neuroscience (such as language and memory research), clinical medicine (stroke rehabilitation assessment, depression diagnosis), psychology (emotion regulation mechanisms), and brain-computer interfaces, providing important tools for understanding brain function mechanisms and developing neural modulation technologies.
3 Training Preview
To help faculty and students with relevant experimental needs learn and use this equipment, the Psychology Department Laboratory organizes this free training. Faculty and students are welcome to register.
Brand and Model: LABNIRS Functional Near-Infrared Brain Imaging System
Training Format: Theoretical explanation + hands-on practice
Training Time: April 16, 2025, 09:00-17:00
Training Location: Conference Room 1110, 11th Floor, Lv Dalong Building, Tsinghua University
Personnel Limit: 10 people
Registration Method: Scan the QR code below to register
Notes:
1. Registration deadline is 16:30 on April 15, 2025; successful registrants will receive a registration confirmation email notification before 17:00 on April 15, 2025.
2. After successful registration, faculty and students from outside the university should handle campus entry approval according to Tsinghua University's campus entry regulations.
Contact Person: Teacher Yang
Email: yanglanyu@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn
