Optics
Improved imaging of C. elegans is crucial to fully understanding the complex structure of neurons. Here in the Neurolab, we focus on improving the quality of our microscope images by decreasing stray light. Often this light comes from the bright cell body and obscures thinner and dimmer neurites nearby. We can improve imaging through several routes, including improvements in hardware, feedback-mediated image acquisition, and image postprocessing. Techniques include targeted illumination microscopy, scanning illumination microscopy, and modeling of the stray light distribution.
Laser surgery is a powerful technique that precisely manipulates and probes biological media at a tissue, cellular, or even subcellular level.
We are developing instruments to improve microscopy. One of our approaches is to integrate a spatial light modulator (SLM) into our microscope’s illumination beam path.
We invented a novel and simple microscope add-on to process a multicolor image.
Funding generously provided by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The NeuroLab has a long-term partnership with GAMDAN Optics, an optical fabrication company specializing in custom-designed and precision-manufactured nonlinear optical crystals.
