A light-emitting diode light source for imaging of neural activities with voltage-sensitive dyes

We tested the possibility of using a high-power monochromatic InGaN light-emitting diode (LED) as an excitation light source for real-time optical imaging using the voltage-sensitive dye RH-795. Driven with a custom-designed, non-feedback-controlled constant-current circuit, the LED generated stable light with rapid on/off. The LED was comparable with commonly used halogen lamps in exciting RH-795. Acoustically evoked responses in the auditory cortex recorded with the two light sources were highly similar. Our results thus suggest that a high-power LED can be successfully used as an excitation light source for voltage-sensitive dyes, without the need of optical filters and shutters.