[Fast three-dimensional two-photon scanning methods for studying neuronal physiology on cellular and network level].

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Optical Imaging
• Microscopy

Context:

• Two-photon microscopy is crucial for studying brain function.
• Traditional raster scanning limits the observation of rapid 3D neural events like action potentials.

Purpose:

• To develop advanced data acquisition methods and microscope hardware.
• To achieve high signal-to-noise ratio optical recordings of diverse neuronal activity patterns.

Summary:

• Developed Multiple Line Scanning to increase repetition speed and signal-to-noise ratio by selecting multiple regions of interest.
• Created an acousto-optical deflector-based 3D scanning microscope with sub-millisecond temporal resolution and millimeter z-scanning range.
• Demonstrated usability through 3D optical recordings of action potential backpropagation and 3D random-access scanning of Ca(2+) transients in hundreds of neurons.

Impact:

• Region of interest scanning enhances signal-to-noise ratio and repetition speed.
• Maintains good depth penetration for two-photon microscopes.
• Enables detailed observation of neural processes and network activity in vivo.