Lightcore 2P endoscope
In vivo deep imaging in freely moving animals would be essential in observing neuronal circuitry during naturalistic conditions. The InSplorer two-photon/three-photon endoscope offers a solution to this problem. The light-weight endoscope enables multimodal nonlinear imaging such as 2-photon and 3-photon fluorescence but also harmonic generation (SHG, THG) and coherent Raman imaging (CARS).
The InSplorer endoscope probe is attached to a 3D-printed titanium base fixed onto the animal’s head that provides light-weight, extremely strong and solid foundations for continuous imaging even during animal movement. The up to 4m long, flexible cable and fiber connecting the endoscope to the imaging system allows the free placement of the animal in the laboratory. A movable, standalone cabinet houses the laser, opto-electronics and computer. The InSplorer system is powered by a dedicated, user-friendly software. The system can be combined with a multitude of commercially available laser sources with a wavelength range of 750nm to 1550nm. The imaging quality is assured in a field of view up to 600 µm and a frame rate up to 10Hz. The 1.3mm diameter endoscope can be inserted to any depth into the brain, providing deep functional imaging with high resolution (PSF: 1 µm).