Laser speckle imaging (LSI) is a well-established technique for generating high-resolution, real-time maps of tissue perfusion, typically used in benchtop settings. This talk will present two efforts to adapt LSI for ambulatory and point-of-care applications. First, I will discuss the development of a miniaturized, wearable LSI device that enables real-time measurement of blood flow signals—referred to as speckleplethysmography (SPG). Compared to traditional photoplethysmography (PPG), SPG demonstrates a substantially higher signal-to-noise ratio and improved stability under motion and thermal fluctuations, making it promising for use outside controlled environments. We have also combined LSI with diffuse optical techniques to form a multimodal platform capable of monitoring both perfusion and tissue oxygenation. Second, I will describe ongoing work to develop a semi-automated LSI-based triage tool for rapid physiological assessment. Together, these two embodiments highlight the potential of LSI to support continuous, noninvasive monitoring in both clinical and field settings.
Bernard Choi, Ph.D., is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Surgery at the University of California, Irvine, where he also serves as Interim Director of the Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic. His affiliations span several interdisciplinary initiatives, including the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Cardiovascular Innovation Research Center and CHOC Children’s Hospital, where he is a visiting scientist. Dr. Choi earned his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University and his M.S.E. and Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin. Following the completion of an Arnold and Mabel Beckman Fellowship at UCI, he joined the UCI faculty and has since held leadership roles within the Department of Biomedical Engineering, including Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies (2011-2016) and Academic Affairs (2016-2023). He was inducted in the inaugural class of the UCI Faculty Academy of Teaching Excellence (FATE) and has won several teaching awards at UCI. He directs the Microvascular Therapeutics and Imaging (MTI) Laboratory, focusing on optical methods to study and monitor the microcirculation. His research is supported by the NIH, NSF, Department of Defense, and industry partners. Dr. Choi has published over 150 peer-reviewed papers and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Biomedical Optics. He is a Fellow of SPIE and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) and has contributed actively to several optical societies, including SPIE, Optica, and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS).