Experimental Apparatus for Nanophotonic Neuroprobe-enabled Fluorescence Imaging

Fluorescence imaging has the ability to resolve brain structure and activity, in real time and with single-cell resolution. Current techniques, however, remain slow and cannot penetrate deep into the brain. This thesis investigates the use of implantable silicon photonic neuroprobes for three dimensional neuroimaging at higher framerates than what is currently possible. We present the implementation of neuroprobes as a novel method to deliver excitation in a fluorescent light sheet microscopy setup, achieving higher contrast than epi-fluorescence. We also present the algorithm and calibration of a high speed volumetric imaging setup, to monitor multiple depths simultaneously. Imaging experiments were performed on mouse brain tissues in vitro and in vivo. The system may be extended to freely moving animals in the future.M.A.S