Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a method of monitoring brain oxygenation. This technique investigates hemodynamic changes in the cerebral cortex. fNIRS is widely used in clinical and scientific research. In this review, we focus on the applications of fNIRS on neonates. Here, applications form two distinct categories: task associated studies, and hemoglobin phase change studies. fNIRS is non-invasive, easily performed, and repeatable. However, it has limited monitoring depth and spatial resolution when used in newborns. Moreover, with recent technological advances, it is now possible to explore neuronal activity patterns using fNIRS in both healthy and pathological conditions. For more than 20 years, fNIRS has enabled clinicians to gain insight into cerebral development and mechanisms of injury in neonates. fNIRS is a useful supplement to existing technologies due to its ability to interrogate the neonatal brain function.

功能近红外光谱 (fNIRS) 是一种监测脑氧合的方法。该技术研究大脑皮层的血流动力学变化。fNIRS 广泛应用于临床和科学研究。在这篇综述中，我们关注 fNIRS 在新生儿中的应用。在这里，应用程序形成两个不同的类别：任务相关研究和血红蛋白相变研究。fNIRS 是非侵入性的、易于执行且可重复的。然而，当用于新生儿时，它的监测深度和空间分辨率有限。此外，随着最近的技术进步，现在可以在健康和病理条件下使用 fNIRS 探索神经元活动模式。20 多年来，fNIRS 使临床医生能够深入了解新生儿的大脑发育和损伤机制。