UNS: Fast Focus-scanning Microscopy Using Micron-thick phase Plates Based on High-index Meta-structures

UNS：使用基于高折射率超结构的微米厚相位板的快速聚焦扫描显微镜

• 批准号: 1512266
• 负责人: Andrei Faraon
• 金额: $ 39万
• 依托单位: California Institute of Technology
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2015
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2015-06-01 至 2019-05-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1512266&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: UNS; Fast; Focus; scanning; Microscopy

AbstractFaraon1512266Understanding how the brain works is one of the main scientific challenges of this generation. Optical techniques for neural imaging, excitation and recording play a crucial role in deconstructing the neural circuitry. Optical modulation and recording from sets of neurons is enabled by optogenetics and genetically encoded voltage sensors. To fully use this capability, the PI proposes to develop a fast and slim device capable of focusing light in a volume on the same order of magnitude as a cortical column at speeds faster than an action potential and spatial resolution smaller than a neuronal cell body. The enabling technology is the recent invention of dielectric meta-surfaces, structures thinner than a wavelength that allow for unprecedented control of free-space propagating light. The uniqueness of the technology stems from the capability to lithographically place the phase plates in very close proximity (tens of microns) and to actuate them at high speeds using electrostatic forces like in micro electro-mechanical devices (MEMS). If successful, this project will enable devices that could scan many neurons in a cortical column with single action potential temporal resolution, thus resulting in deconstruction of neural circuitry in that column.This interdisciplinary project will provide the opportunity to train a graduate student in nano-photonics and biomicroscopy. The student will simulate and fabricate the devices, will develop a complex microscope setup, and will do two-photon microscopy measurements on brain samples. In addition to graduate student education, undergraduate students will contribute to the project through the SURF program at Caltech. The PI and the graduate student will be involved in an outreach activity with the Navajo Preparatory High School, a native American high school located in Farmington, New Mexico. The activity will consist in travelling to Farmington to teach science lessons, describing the research, and setting up demonstrations for high school students visiting Caltech.

AbstractFaraon1512266了解大脑如何工作是这一代人面临的主要科学挑战之一。用于神经成像、激发和记录的光学技术在解构神经回路中发挥着至关重要的作用。光遗传学和基因编码电压传感器可以实现神经元组的光学调制和记录。为了充分利用这种能力，PI建议开发一种快速而纤薄的设备，能够以比动作电位更快的速度和比神经元细胞体更小的空间分辨率将光聚焦在与皮质柱相同数量级的体积中。这项技术是最近发明的介电超表面，这种结构比波长还薄，可以对自由空间传播的光进行前所未有的控制。该技术的独特性源于能够通过光刻将相位板放置在非常接近的位置（数十微米），并使用静电力高速驱动它们，就像微机电设备 (MEMS) 中一样。如果成功，该项目将使设备能够以单一动作电位时间分辨率扫描皮层柱中的许多神经元，从而解构该柱中的神经回路。这个跨学科项目将提供在纳米光子学和生物显微镜方面培训研究生的机会。学生将模拟和制造这些设备，开发复杂的显微镜装置，并对大脑样本进行双光子显微镜测量。除了研究生教育外，本科生还将通过加州理工学院的 SURF 项目为该项目做出贡献。 PI 和研究生将参与纳瓦霍预备高中的外展活动，纳瓦霍预备高中是一所位于新墨西哥州法明顿的美国本土高中。该活动将包括前往法明顿教授科学课程、描述研究成果以及为参观加州理工学院的高中生进行演示。