Fluidic microoptics with adjustable focusing and beam steering for single cell optogenetics.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Neuroscience
• Microfabrication

Background:

• Optogenetics requires precise control over light delivery for in vivo brain activity mapping.
• Existing optical methods may lack the necessary resolution or tunability for single-cell analysis.
• Micron-scale liquid lenses offer potential for adaptable optical control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, fabricate, and demonstrate electrically controlled micron-scale liquid lenses.
• To achieve adjustable focusing and beam steering for optogenetic applications.
• To enable in vivo brain activity mapping with single-cell resolution.

Main Methods:

• Liquid lenses fabricated using the interface between two immiscible liquids in a conically tapered cavity.
• Fused silica substrate used for lens cavity.
• Interdigitated electrodes patterned on the sidewall for electrical control of lens curvature and tilt.

Main Results:

• Microlenses with apertures from 30 to 80 μm successfully fabricated.
• Tunable focusing demonstrated over a range of 0.25 to 3 mm.
• Beam steering capability of ± 1 degree achieved.

Conclusions:

• Electrically controlled liquid lenses provide a viable solution for tunable optical control at the micron scale.
• The demonstrated focusing and beam steering capabilities are suitable for advanced optogenetic studies.
• These liquid lenses hold significant promise for high-resolution in vivo neuroscience research.