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

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.