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Updated: Apr 15, 2026
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Targeted Labeling of Neurons in a Specific Functional Micro-domain of the Neocortex by Combining Intrinsic Signal and Two-photon Imaging
Published on: December 12, 2012
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Ultra-wide-field, deep, adaptive two-photon microscopy for multi-scale neuronal imaging
Mengke Yang1,2, Zhen-Qiao Zhou1,3,4, Song Lang1,3,4
1Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China.
Light, Science & Applications
|April 13, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a new ultra-large field of view two-photon microscopy system for in vivo brain imaging. This advanced technology enables high-resolution visualization of neural activity across wide areas and depths, overcoming current limitations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Imaging
- Optical Microscopy
Background:
- Understanding brain function requires observing large neural populations.
- Existing microscopy methods struggle to image neural interactions across distributed regions and cortical layers.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce a novel two-photon microscopy system, ULTRA.
- Enable deep and wide-field in vivo imaging with single-cell resolution across an ultra-large field of view.
Main Methods:
- Developed ULTRA, a two-photon microscopy system.
- Achieved an ultra-large field of view (>50 mm²).
- Performed in vivo imaging in the mouse brain.
Main Results:
- Successfully visualized brain structures and neuronal activities across a 7 mm spatial range.
- Imaged from superficial layers to depths of 900 μm.
- Covered an imaging volume of 45.24 mm³.
Conclusions:
- ULTRA overcomes traditional spatial limitations in brain imaging.
- Provides a versatile platform for comprehensive neuronal circuitry exploration at extensive spatial scales.
- Enables cellular-resolution imaging across wide areas and depths.
