Light modeling in the brain using Brain2Mesh and MCX/MMC
Qianqian Fang, Northeastern University
Duration: 180 min
Capacity: 40
Level: Introductory, Some coding experience
Monte Carlo Toolbox
Requirements: Laptop; Matlab and toolboxes pre-installed
Synopsis: Accurate three-dimensional (3-D) light transport modeling in the brain is crucial for fNIRS probe design, placement, optimization, quantitative data analysis and comparisons. In this min-course, we will teach participants how to use our open-source Monte Carlo light transport suite – MCX and MMC to model light propagations in complex 3-D brain models. We will cover the preprocessing steps converting segmented MRI images into high-quality multi-layered mesh models using the Brain2Mesh toolbox, creation of 10-20/10-5 positions, probe placement, execution of 3D light transport modeling using GPU-accelerated MCX and MMC (in MATLAB) and visualization of the results.
Learning objectives:
- How to use our open-source Monte Carlo light transport suite – MCX and MMC to model light propagations in complex 3-D brain models.
- Brain segmentation and mesh generation using Brain2Mesh
- MCX basics and designing MCX simulations in MATLAB
- MMC simulations using Brain mesh models
- Visualization and post processing
Requirements: You are expected to bring a laptop with Matlab and the toolboxes listed below installed. The laptop shall have a CPU/GPU that is no older than 5 years. The laptop needs to be pre-tested/pre-installed with our software that can be downloaded for free at:
- Brain2Mesh toolbox: http://mcx.space/brain2mesh
- Iso2Mesh toolbox: http://iso2mesh.sf.net
- MCXLAB-CL toolbox: http://mcx.space/wiki/?Learn#mcxlabcl
- MMCLAB-CL toolbox: http://mcx.space/wiki/?Learn#mmclab