Developing new experimental techniques to understand neuronal networks

All optical manipulation and read out of neuronal activity has provided new opportunities for investigating neuronal network dynamics in real time. However there exists technical issues that need to be overcome to allow these techniques to reach their potential. To correct for the persistent jitter that is present in in-vivo recordings we introduced a particle-tracking based motion correction algorithm that is fast enough for realtime motion compensation. The speckles and non-uniform existing in holographic illumination prevents reliable targeting of neurons. To address this problem and to preserve the optical accessibility of the FOV we use a non-conventional optical configuration that implements a virtual lens. Finally, to over come the limited time resolution induced by the refreshing rate of the spatial light modulator, we implement a fast switching holographic technique that is capable of targeting different neurons on relevant timescales to activity propagation.