In this webinar, Dr. Packer reviews his recent work in which he utilized a Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) interfaced to a multiphoton microscopy system in order to simultaneously use optical stimulation and optical recording to study neural networks. A major benefit of the use of the SLM is that tens of neurons can be simultaneously stimulated, while at the same time imaging neuronal activity in a field using a calcium indicator.
Dr. Packer explores principles of the use of SLMs for the study of neural networks, including data demonstrating the validity of the approach. He also discusses how the use of SLMs as part of multiphoton microscope systems will impact future research on neural networks in vivo in awake behaving animal paradigms.