Now out is a review paper I've written on the use of optical neuroimaging to study speech and language (Peelle, 2017). Space was limited but I've briefly reviewed the history, methods, and applications of optical imaging in the context of speech and language. As you may know from this blog, I've been working with Joe Culver's optical imaging lab at Wash U to use high density diffuse optical tomography to study language processing. I'm really optimistic about this technique in general and look forward to future developments over the coming years.
This paper is part of a Language, Cognition and Neuroscience special issue edited by Matt Davis and Jenni Rodd on cognitive neuroscience methods in studying language. It's a fantastic issue full of useful reviews. As an interesting historical note, the idea was modeled after a special issue in 1996 (when the journal was called *Language and Cognitive Processes*) that provided an overview of behavioral methods in psycholinguistic research.
References
Peelle JE (2017) Optical neuroimaging of spoken language. Language, Cognition and Neuroscience. doi:10.1080/23273798.2017.1290810