Laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA): a technique for measuring capillary blood flow using the first order statistics of laser speckle patterns

Deals with LASCA or laser speckle contrast analysis. This is a non-invasive, non-scanning technique that produces 2-dimensional velocity maps of blood flow in capillaries. The method is based on the use of the first order statistics, specifically the contrast of time-varying laser speckle. A brief introduction to the theory and practicalities of the method is given. Along with some improvements to the initial system and preliminary results which were obtained.