Development of a non-linear optical microscope for real-time measurement of neuronal activity in sub-micrometric structures

Abstract To address the actual challenges in neuroscience, such as real-time voltage-sensing of sub-micrometric structures like dendritic spines and multi-modal and functional imaging of cultured neurons and brain slices, we developed a dedicated instrument which offers high-performance imaging combined with a complete electrophysiology suite. For instance, it allows full-frame imaging at rates larger than 5 frames per second with a diffraction-limited resolution, excitation over a wide spectral range (680–1320 nm), optimized signal-to-noise ratio and targeted-path scanning abilities. Thanks to this setup, new optical sensing probes are under study, with encouraging preliminary results.