Minimally invasive multimode optical fiber microendoscope for deep brain fluorescence imaging

TitleMinimally invasive multimode optical fiber microendoscope for deep brain fluorescence imaging
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsOhayon, S, Caravaca-Aguirre, A, Piestun, R, DiCarlo, JJ
JournalBiomedical Optics Express
Volume9
Issue4
Pagination1492-1509
Date Published01/2018
ISSN2156-7085
Abstract

A major open challenge in neuroscience is the ability to measure and perturb neural activity in vivo from well defined neural sub-populations at cellular resolution anywhere in the brain. However, limitations posed by scattering and absorption prohibit non-invasive multi-photon approaches for deep (>2mm) structures, while gradient refractive index (GRIN) endoscopes are relatively thick and can cause significant damage upon insertion. Here, we present a novel micro-endoscope design to image neural activity at arbitrary depths via an ultra-thin multi-mode optical fiber (MMF) probe that has 5-10X thinner diameter than commercially available micro-endoscopes. We demonstrate micron-scale resolution, multi-spectral and volumetric imaging. In contrast to previous approaches, we show that this method has an improved acquisition speed that is sufficient to capture rapid neuronal dynamics in-vivo in rodents expressing a genetically encoded calcium indicator (GCaMP). Our results emphasize the potential of this technology in neuroscience applications and open up possibilities for cellular resolution imaging in previously unreachable brain regions.

URLhttps://www.osapublishing.org/abstract.cfm?URI=boe-9-4-1492
DOI10.1364/BOE.9.001492
Short TitleBiomed. Opt. Express