Methods of producing laser speckle contrast images

Abstract

Methods of imaging are provided. In some embodiments, the methods may comprise obtaining a raw speckle image of a sample, converting the raw speckle image to a laser speckle contrast image using a laser speckle contrast algorithm, and converting a laser speckle contrast image to a relative correlation time image using a relative correlation time algorithm.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 obtaining a raw speckle image of a sample;   converting the raw speckle image to a laser speckle contrast image using a laser speckle contrast algorithm; and   converting the laser speckle contrast image to a relative correlation time image using a relative correlation time algorithm.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the laser speckle contrast algorithm is a direct algorithm, a sums algorithm, a fast Fourier transform-based convolution algorithm, a roll algorithm, or a vectorized algorithm. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the laser speckle contrast algorithm is a threaded algorithm. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the threaded algorithm is a mean threading algorithm, a split method algorithm, or a non-redundant method algorithm. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the relative correlation time algorithm is a Newton method algorithm, a table method algorithm, a hybrid method algorithm, or an asymptote method algorithm. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein converting the raw speckle image to a laser speckle contrast image occurs at a rate greater than or equal to 100 images per second. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein converting the laser speckle contrast image to the relative correlation time image occurs at a rate greater than or equal to 200 images per second. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein single instruction multiple data operations are used to implement the laser speckle contrast algorithm, the relative correlation time algorithm, or both. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein obtaining a raw speckle image of a sample comprises providing coherent light to a sample and detecting the light using a photodetector. 
     
     
         10 . A method comprising:
 obtaining a raw speckle image of a sample;   converting the raw speckle image to a laser speckle contrast image using a laser speckle contrast algorithm; and   converting the laser speckle contrast image to a relative correlation time image using a relative correlation time algorithm selected from the group consisting of a Newton method algorithm, a table method algorithm, a hybrid method algorithm, or an asymptote method algorithm.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein converting the raw speckle image to a laser speckle contrast image occurs at a rate greater than or equal to 100 images per second. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein converting the laser speckle contrast image to the relative correlation time image occurs at a rate greater than or equal to 200 images per second. 
     
     
         13 . A laser speckle contrast imaging system comprising:
 a laser light source;   a detector for the measurement of reflected light comprising at least one camera and at least one magnification objective;   a microprocessor or data acquisition unit; and   a memory, the memory including executable instructions that, when executed, cause the microprocessor or data acquisition unit to convert a raw speckle image to a laser speckle contrast image using a laser speckle contrast algorithm.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the memory further includes executable instructions, that when executed, cause the microprocessor or data acquisition unit to convert the laser speckle contrast image to a relative correlation time image using a relative correlation time algorithm.