Instrumentation of a compact random-access photostimulator based on acousto-optic deflectors

Rev Sci Instrum. 2012 Feb;83(2):025116. doi: 10.1063/1.3689954.

Abstract

Recently developed optogenetics provides a fast, non-invasive, and efficient method for cell activation. However, it is difficult for the optical stimulators used for optogenetics to realize selective multi-site fast activation. In this paper, we developed a random-access photostimulator based on a pair of perpendicularly oriented acousto-optic deflectors. Precise laser targeting in the x-y plane was verified, and the lateral spatial resolution of laser intensity after the objective was measured as ∼1.38 μm. Photostimulaton of ChETA-expressing astrocytes induced reliable inward currents only if the laser beam was directed onto the targeted cell. In the ChR2-expresing neuron, multiple locations along two dendrites were stimulated, and spatiotemporal integration was observed in the soma with fast multi-site activation. These results demonstrated that this random-access photostimulator would be a powerful tool for selective multi-site fast activation. The compact and modular design of this photostimulator makes it easily integrated with different commercial microscopes, and thus widely popularized in many laboratories.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acoustics / instrumentation*
  • Animals
  • Astrocytes / cytology
  • Astrocytes / metabolism
  • Astrocytes / radiation effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cerebral Cortex / cytology
  • Channelrhodopsins
  • Gene Expression Regulation / radiation effects
  • Light*
  • Mice
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neurons / radiation effects
  • Optical Phenomena*

Substances

  • Channelrhodopsins