Review: Near infrared brain and muscle oximetry: from the discovery to current applications

ISSN: 0967-0335 © IM Publications LLP 2012 doi: 10.1255/jnirs.973 All rights reserved In the early 1960s, Karl Norris and co-workers of the Agricultural Research Service of the USA Department of Agriculture introduced NIR spectroscopy (700–2500 nm) as an analytical technique for agricultural products. They recognised the potential of the diffuse reflectance measurement for rapid analysis of grains that exhibit specific absorption bands due to proteins and moisture in the region. In the following years, Norris and co-workers introduced the use of NIR instruments for measuring different agricultural products. Since the 1970s, commercial companies have started to market NIR spectroscopy instrumentation for use in different fields of application. In vivo medical NIR spectroscopy, using NIR light in the 700–1000 nm wavelength range, goes back to 1977. In order to place current medical NIR spectroscopy in its proper perspective, this review provides a snapshot of the roots of the discovery and the early years of medical NIR spectroscopy research and development. The status of the current commercial oximeters and their more relevant medical applications are discussed. Review Near infrared brain and muscle oximetry: from the discovery to current applications