Pupil-Light: A novel method to capture high speed pupil dynamics and saccades in humans
About This Grant
Abstract Carolina Instruments is developing Pupil-Light, a wearable platform technology for acquiring high-speed, high- fidelity measurements of saccades, microsaccades, and pupil dynamics in real-time. Quantitative data on physiological signals such as saccades (rapid eye movements) and pupillometry (changes in pupil size) is critical for neuroscientists and physicians who aim to link these responses to behavioral or neuronal activity. Existing wearable eye-tracking systems suffer from low sampling rates and limited precision, making them inadequate for capturing rapid saccades and subtle pupil changes. These limitations hinder progress in neuroscience research and clinical diagnostic applications. Carolina Instruments’ Pupil Light addresses this gap by measuring pupil dynamics with unprecedented precision. Pupil Light’s simple camera-free design uses lightweight and low- cost materials to enable the field collection of previously unrecordable data. Our Pupil Light technology applies photoplethysmography techniques for the simultaneous measurement of numerous biometrics including fine eye movement and pupil size. By eliminating cameras, our system’s high sampling rate enables saccade- and microsaccade-tracking in real time without generating large volumes of video data. The compact and lightweight nature of the LED and sensor enables this noninvasive approach to seamlessly integrate into a convenient wearable form factor. The system’s ability to capture synchronized signals in real time streamlines data collection and improves experimental efficiency. Preliminary studies have demonstrated proof-of-concept acquisition of saccades and pupillary responses in a free-standing device; this project seeks to optimize these functions and validate their accuracy in a wearable prototype. Aim 1 will evaluate the accuracy and reliability of Pupil Light for detecting saccades and microsaccades under both head-fixed and wearable conditions. In head-fixed validation, participants will wear a photodiode-integrated printed circuit board (PCB) while their head is stabilized by a benchtop head fixation system, allowing for precise calibration and baseline measurement. In the wearable condition, subjects will have no chinstrap, instead relying on inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based motion compensation to correct for head movement. We will assess how well the wearable Pupil Light system stabilizes and corrects for motion artifacts compared to gold standard video-based eye tracking. Aim 2 will similarly employ both head-fixed and wearable configurations to assess the accuracy of Pupil Light for real-time pupil size tracking. The completion of this project will lay the foundation for Phase II efforts, including refining the device for use in human psychiatric studies and enhancements to real-time data reporting.
Grant Summary
Pupil-Light: A novel method to capture high speed pupil dynamics and saccades in humans is a NEI - National Eye Institute grant providing up to $314K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2027-05-31 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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Up to $314K
2027-05-31
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Pupil-Light: A novel method to capture high speed pupil dynamics and saccades in humans from NEI - National Eye Institute, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NEI - National Eye Institute before the deadline.
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Pupil-Light: A novel method to capture high speed pupil dynamics and saccades in humans: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Pupil-Light: A novel method to capture high speed pupil dynamics and saccades in humans?
Pupil-Light: A novel method to capture high speed pupil dynamics and saccades in humans is offered by NEI - National Eye Institute and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Pupil-Light: A novel method to capture high speed pupil dynamics and saccades in humans provide?
Pupil-Light: A novel method to capture high speed pupil dynamics and saccades in humans provides up to $314K per award from NEI - National Eye Institute. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Pupil-Light: A novel method to capture high speed pupil dynamics and saccades in humans deadline?
Applications for Pupil-Light: A novel method to capture high speed pupil dynamics and saccades in humans are due 2027-05-31 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NEI - National Eye Institute, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Pupil-Light: A novel method to capture high speed pupil dynamics and saccades in humans?
To apply for Pupil-Light: A novel method to capture high speed pupil dynamics and saccades in humans, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NEI - National Eye Institute.