Power‐effective scanning with AODs for 3D optogenic applications. Issue 4 (23rd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ricci, Pietro; Marchetti, Marco; Sorelli, Michele; Turrini, Lapo; Resta, Francesco; Gavryusev, Vladislav; de Vito, Giuseppe; Sancataldo, Giuseppe; Vanzi, Francesco; Silvestri, Ludovico; Pavone, Francesco Saverio
• Is Part Of: Journal of biophotonics. Volume 15:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-01-23
• Subjects: Photonics -- Periodicals; Optical materials -- Periodicals; Optics -- Periodicals; Medical instruments and apparatus -- Periodicals; 621.3605
• DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202100256
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1864-063X

Abstract

Abstract: Two‐photon (2P) excitation is a cornerstone approach widely employed in neuroscience microscopy for deep optical access and sub‐micrometric‐resolution light targeting into the brain. However, besides structural and functional imaging, 2P optogenetic stimulations are less routinary, especially in 3D. This is because of the adopted scanning systems, often feebly effective, slow and mechanically constricted. Faster illumination can be achieved through acousto‐optic deflectors (AODs) although their applicability to large volumes excitation has been limited by large efficiency drop along the optical axis. Here, we present a new AOD‐based scheme for 2P 3D scanning that improves the power delivery between different illumination planes. We applied this approach to photostimulate an optogenetic actuator in zebrafish larvae, demonstrating the method efficiency observing increased activity responses and uniform activation probabilities from neuronal clusters addressed in the volume. This novel driving scheme can open to new AOD applications in neuroscience, allowing more effective 3D interrogation in large neuronal networks. Abstract : Two‐photon optogenetics includes a powerful set of techniques enabling 3D‐targeted stimulation. However, the adopted scanning systems are often feebly effective, slow and mechanically constricted. Acousto‐optic deflectors (AODs') dynamics potentially fit the temporal requirements for concurrent neuronal activation, although their applicability to large volumes is limited by efficiency drops along the optical axis. Here, we present a new AOD‐driving scheme for efficient 3D photostimulation of optogenetic actuators in zebrafish larvae neural clusters.