Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
08:10
In Vivo 2-Photon Calcium Imaging in Layer 2/3 of Mice
Published on: March 13, 2008
In vivo brain imaging using a portable 2.9 g two-photon microscope based on a microelectromechanical systems scanning
Wibool Piyawattanametha1, Eric D Cocker, Laurie D Burns
1James H. Clark Center for Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA.
Optics Letters
|August 4, 2009
Summary
We developed a compact two-photon microscope using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) mirrors. This miniaturized microscope successfully imaged mouse brain microvasculature and erythrocyte flow.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Optical Imaging
Background:
- Advanced microscopy techniques are crucial for in vivo neuroscience research.
- Existing two-photon microscopes can be bulky and complex, limiting their application in certain settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a miniaturized, lightweight two-photon microscope for in vivo imaging.
- To demonstrate the capability of this microscope for observing microvasculature and cellular dynamics in the brain.
Main Methods:
- A novel two-photon microscope was designed using a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) laser-scanning mirror.
- The system incorporates a focusing motor, gradient refractive index lenses, and a dichroic microprism.
- Separate optical fibers were utilized for excitation pulse delivery and fluorescence collection, preventing emission reflection off the MEMS mirror.
Main Results:
- The developed microscope has a mass of approximately 2.9 g and dimensions of 2.0 x 1.9 x 1.1 cm³.
- The system enabled high-resolution imaging of neocortical microvasculature in live mice.
- The flow of erythrocytes within these vessels was successfully tracked.
Conclusions:
- The miniaturized MEMS-based two-photon microscope offers a portable and effective solution for in vivo brain imaging.
- This technology facilitates detailed observation of microvascular dynamics and cellular processes in neurological research.
