Neurophotonics

Abstract

Understanding brain structure and function, and the complex relationships between them, is one of the grand challenges of contemporary sciences. Thanks to their flexibility, optical techniques could be the key to explore this complex network. Here, we describe recent advancements in optical methods applied to four main aspects of the quest for brain understanding: from large‐scale brain anatomy, to neural network plasticity and functionality, to synaptic biology. First, novel implementations of light microscopy to resolve neuronal anatomy in entire fixed brains with cellular resolution are described. Moving to living samples, we explore how real‐time dynamics of brain rewiring can be visualized through two‐photon microscopy with the spatial resolution of single synaptic contacts. Nonlinear microscopy combined with voltage‐ and calcium‐sensitive dyes address the functionality at the microcircuitry level. Finally, the molecular details of synaptic plasticity are investigated with nanometric precision by superresolution microscopy and single‐particle tracking. The information gained from these complementary optical methods may provide a deeper comprehension of the brain and of its unique features.

Deep learning‐based photodamage reduction on harmonic generation microscope at low‐level optical power

“…Nevertheless, the increase in exposure time will still cause damage to biological cells [11] and limit the frame rate. Nowadays, various fluorescence imaging techniques are widely used in the field of biological sciences, such as reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) [12], twophoton excitation (TPE) microscopy [13], multi-photon excitation microscopy [14][15][16], light sheet microscopy [17][18][19][20], super-resolution microscopy [21][22][23][24], structured illumination microscopy [25][26][27], etc. These microscopies are optimized for increased resolution and reduced phototoxicity.…”