Microscopic Imaging

Project Summary Optical Imaging Core The use of optical imaging to assay structure and function of the visual system at a variety of length scales, from subcellular structures to living animal and human eyes, continues to expand. Improved fluorescent probes and an expanding arsenal of new imaging technologies, make optical techniques for measuring and manipulating cells and circuit function more powerful and popular than ever. New scanners allowed for rapid volumetric imaging of tissue, new optogenetic, and opto-pharmacology tallow for control of neural activity by light, new ways of generating patterns of light (e.g., holography) allow optical stimulation and imaging in intact tissue. For in vivo applications, adaptive optics and eye tracking facilitate the translation of modern optical techniques into living animal and human eyes. We are fortunate to have gifted optical imaging specialist, Ben Smith, who will continue to carry out the work of the Optical Imaging Core, bringing these and other technologies to Vision Science labs throughout campus. The Aims of this Core are 1) Leverage the existing expertise and instrumentation that is already available on campus to bring more Vision Science investigators into the world of advanced optical techniques, 2) Assist Core investigators in customizing their own imaging equipment to best take advantage of new technologies, including the light-activated ion channels described above. 3) Assist CORE investigators in assembling sophisticated imaging systems from component parts, including confocal and 2-photon microscopes.