Laser Doppler Flowmeters Prototypes: Monte Carlo Simulations Validation Paired with Measurements

Abstract

Two new laser Doppler flowmeter prototypes are herein validated with Monte Carlo simulations paired with measurements. The first prototype is a multi-wavelength laser Doppler flowmeter with different spaced detection fibres that will add depth discrimination capabilities to laser Doppler flowmetry skin monitoring. The other prototype is a self-mixing based laser Doppler flowmeter for brain perfusion estimation. Monte Carlo simulations in a phantom consisting of moving fluid as well as in a skin model are proposed for the first prototype validation. We obtain a good correlation between simulations and measurements. For the second prototype validation, Monte Carlo simulations are carried out on a rat brain model. We show that the mean measurement depth in the rat brain with our probe is 0.15 mm. This positioning is tested in vivo where it is shown that the probe monitors the blood flow changes. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.