Multimode Fiber Neural Activity Recording System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for optically recording cellular electrical activity in multiple regions of a target tissue, such as the brain, are limited in their ability to simultaneously and accurately measure neural activity across large areas with high spatial resolution and temporal fidelity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing multimode optical fibers to deliver light stimuli of multiple wavelengths to regions of the brain containing neural activity-dependent fluorescent moieties, allowing for simultaneous recording of fluorescence across multiple regions using a scientific CMOS camera, and analyzing the images to generate measures of aggregate neural activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple separate optical systems are used to record neural activity in multiple regions, then measurement coverage area is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical recording functions into a single multimode optical fiber system. Multiple wavelengths of light are delivered through the same fiber, and fluorescence from multiple brain regions is collected simultaneously through the same optical pathway, eliminating the need for multiple separate optical systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining large measurement coverage area
Solution Approach 2:
The multimode optical fiber system performs multiple functions: it delivers multiple wavelengths of excitation light, collects fluorescence signals from multiple regions, and enables simultaneous recording of neural activity across different brain areas. This multi-functional approach allows one system to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized optical systems
2Measurement precision
If high spatial resolution imaging is used to measure neural activity, then measurement precision is improved, but recording speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses rapid sequential illumination with multiple wavelengths in a periodic manner, where each wavelength is delivered in alternating time slots. This allows the camera to capture fluorescence signals at high spatial resolution for each wavelength while maintaining high temporal sampling rates, effectively decoupling the trade-off between resolution and speed
Solution Approach 2:
The interleaved illumination scheme ensures continuous data acquisition by rapidly switching between wavelengths without idle time. The system maintains continuous recording of neural activity across all monitored regions, preventing gaps in data collection and maximizing the effective recording speed while preserving spatial resolution
3Productivity
If multiple wavelengths are delivered simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but light-induced neural activity interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of simultaneous delivery, the system uses periodic interleaved delivery of multiple wavelengths in rapid succession. Each wavelength is delivered in alternating time slots, allowing neural activity to settle between pulses and preventing cumulative phototoxicity and light-induced artifacts while still achieving high throughput through rapid sequential measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The system rushes through the delivery of multiple wavelengths in rapid succession, minimizing the total exposure time at each wavelength. This brief, intermittent illumination approach reduces the opportunity for light-induced neural activity interference to accumulate while still capturing the necessary fluorescence signals for high-productivity recording
4Device complexity
If a single optical fiber is used to collect fluorescence from multiple regions, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of individual regions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system delivers different wavelengths to different spatial locations within the fiber core, with each wavelength selectively exciting fluorescent moieties in specific brain regions. The multimode fiber's spatial structure is exploited to maintain region-specific excitation and collection, allowing precise localization of neural activity sources while using a single fiber to reduce device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and accurate simultaneous optical recording of cellular electrical activity across multiple brain regions, providing real-time measurements of neural activity with high spatial resolution and temporal fidelity, suitable for both imaging and modulating neural activity.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, having a wavelength in a range from about 350 nm to about 2,000 nm
Implementation Method 2
neural activity-dependent fluorescent moieties... generating fluorescence from each of the one or more regions
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a method of optically recording neural activity in one or more regions of a target tissue. Also provided is a method of optically modulating the activity of a neural tissue. Further provided is a system that finds use in performing the present methods.