Multiphoton microscope

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2-photon microscopy is one of the most important methods in modern neuroscience. An increasing number of publications are based at least in part on this type of microscopy. It allows deep insights into the function of the brain (up to several 100μm deep) and of single as well as large groups of neurons in the awake animal. It can be used to determine structure and activity of a neuron alike. A key question in our research program is to understand how (i) neuronal circuits process sensory information such as odors and tastes and (ii) integrate it with an animal's internal, behavioral state and metabolic needs to produce flexible and appropriate behaviors. Since light can be extremely damaging to a tissue, 2-photon microscopy is the method of choice for in vivo experiments, especially on awake animals. In addition to a multiphoton laser, the proposed microscope will be equipped with a resonant scanner and optogenetics equipment. The scanner allows fast imaging of large brain regions with high temporal resolution. With optogenetics we can manipulate single neurons, parts of neurons, but also whole brain areas of a fly. These technical possibilities are very important for us, because we want to understand the dynamics of neurons and neuron groups and their function in behavior.