Abstract: A optical system and imaging device provide simultaneous or sequential optogenetic stimulation of different locations within a biological sample and fluorescence imaging of the locations. The systems include an illumination array with multiple electrically addressable elements that select a spatial pattern of illumination, an optical fiber bundle with fibers coupled between the array element and target locations at the sample, a fluorescence illumination source, and an imaging system for measuring fluorescence returning from the target locations. The optical imaging devices include a housing and a sample connector configured for receiving a first optical fiber bundle connection including multiple optical fibers. The sample connector has an indexing feature to maintain a fixed relationship between the fibers and internal optical paths of the device.

Abstract: A multi-site fluorescence recording system provides simultaneous monitoring of cell activity in different brain regions of a freely moving animal. The system includes an electrical rotary joint that couples signals to and from an external data acquisition and control unit connected to a stator of the rotary joint, which releases twisting of the optical fibers connected to the animal. Electrical signals are coupled to one or more fluorescence stimulation/detection units on the rotor of the rotary joint. The fluorescence stimulation/detection units receive one or more connections from optical fibers that connect the stimulation/detection unit(s) to the different brain sites. The rotating stimulation/detection units include spectral filters to separate the excitation light from the fluorescence signal, light sensors (an image sensor or photodiodes) and excitation light sources.

Abstract: A pumped fluorescent light source includes one or more mirrors that direct pumping light from one or more pump sources on a fluorescent body having a planar top surface and a convex back surface. The top surface may be coated with an anti-reflective coating and the back convex surface may be coated with a reflective coating to improve efficiency. The body top surface may also be roughened to scatter a portion of the excitation light provided from the mirror(s) to generate a white output beam. The mirror(s) have reflective surfaces disposed outside of a collection area of an output beam of the light sources, so that the collection area is not obstructed by the mirror(s). The light source also includes a collecting lens for collecting the light emitted by the body. The mirror may be a single parabolic mirror that focuses the excitation light on the body to stimulate emission.

Abstract: A pumped fluorescent light source includes one or more mirrors that direct pumping light from one or more pump sources on a fluorescent body having a planar top surface and a convex back surface. The top surface may be coated with an anti-reflective coating and the back convex surface may be coated with a reflective coating to improve efficiency. The body top surface may also be roughened to scatter a portion of the excitation light provided from the mirror(s) to generate a white output beam. The mirror(s) have reflective surfaces disposed outside of a collection area of an output beam of the light sources, so that the collection area is not obstructed by the mirror(s). The light source also includes a collecting lens for collecting the light emitted by the body. The mirror may be a single parabolic mirror that focuses the excitation light on the body to stimulate emission.

Abstract: Methods for identifying a molecular system that is similar to at least one model molecular system are provided.

Abstract: The hybrid fiber-optic cannula can have a body having an implant end, a light passage extending through the body, and a light inlet end coinciding with the light passage, an optical fiber held in the body in coincidence with the light passage and oriented out the implant end, the light inlet end being opposite the implant end relative to the light passage, and a conduit extending through the body between a conduit outlet located at the implant end and a conduit inlet. A fluid and/or electrical wires, can be conveyed by the conduit, for instance.

Abstract: A cannula can have a ferrule with two interspaced optical fiber passages extending therebetween, each securely housing an optical fiber therein having a first tip exposed at a connection end, and a second tip protruding from an opposite implant end by a penetration distance, and a bore extending into the ferrule from the connection end. The cannula can be removably connected by a patch cord having a ferrule with a guide pin, with a relatively high degree of optical alignment, by inserting both ferrules into corresponding ends of a sleeve and engaging the guide pin within the bore.