Diesel user group
This page is the home for the users of Diesel (Dual Independent Enhanced Scan Engines for Large field-of-view) multiphoton imaging systems
Contents
What is Diesel2p?
Diesel2p (Dual Independent Enhanced Scan Engines for Large field-of-view Two-Photon imaging) is a multiphoton imaging system designed by the Smith lab. With approximately a dozen systems currently in operation or ordered, this custom and fully open-sourced system allows for large field-of view-imaging with two independent scan engines.
Overview of specifications
Diesel2p
-Dual independent scanning engines
-Large field of view: ~5 x 5 mm2, encompassing distances up to 7 mm
-Scan angles up to ±5 degrees at the objective back aperture
-Excitation windows of 910 ± 10 nm and 1050 nm ± 10 nm
What is DieselHub?
Cost and technical expertise are two key barriers to wider adoption of next-generation multiphoton imaging systems. A commercially available large FOV two-photon imaging system costs over 600,000 USD (ThorLabs), despite still lacking multi-region two-photon optogenetic stimulation capabilities. Even once a lab procures the funds, the systems require technical expertise to take full advantage of the technology and lead to good experiments and insights. These barriers are particularly acute for new labs that cannot take a risk on such a heavy investment without pilot data and training with the technology. To overcome these barriers, it is compelling to pursue alternative dissemination strategies. We propose to make Diesel2p systems available widely across the US, at little-to-no cost, and with expert guidance.
There are two existing models for technology dissemination that we can build upon. The first model is a centralized facility. Similar to observatories in the field of astronomy, the concept is to centralize the instrumentation and technical personnel, and solicit applications from external users. Recently, the Allen Institute for Brain Science launched the OpenScope project (U24NS113646). Studies are coming out from that project and neuroscience can benefit from spreading the model more broadly.
A second model is traveling instrumentation. There is a long tradition of microscope companies setting up demonstration facilities at universities so that researchers can learn about and use state-of-the-art equipment. For example, the Nikon BioImaging Centers and Olympus Discovery Centers are located at universities, providing access to state-of-the-art instrumentation. This model is particularly useful when centralized experiments are not practical, such as animals that cannot be easily shipped, or require extensive training. A traveling imaging system can be shipped to where the animals are maintained, experts can provide training and support, and the imaging experiment can be performed on-site.
DieselHub will use both models will be used to benefit the needs of researchers nationwide. DieselHub is not a regional dissemination mechanism, it will benefit labs and institutes nationwide. In addition, emphasis will be placed on selecting users that are outlined in the DieselHub Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives.
Other Diesel Systems
In addition to Diesel2p, a 4-channel version is in operation at the Chen lab and a three-photon version is operated by the Kara lab.
Quadroscope
-Dual independent scanning engines
-Large field of view: ~5 x 5 mm2
-4-channel microscope (2 per scan engine)
-Diffraction-limited performance optimized across an excitation wavelength range of 920–1040 nm
Diesel3p
-Dual independent scanning engines
-Large field of view: ~5 x 5 mm2
-Allow simultaneous 2p + 3p imaging, achromatic at 920nm and 1300 nm
-8-mm long working distance, 360 degree rotatable, 0.54NA, air objective
Publications
Diesel2p mesoscope with dual independent scan engines for flexible capture of dynamics in distributed neural circuitry
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-26736-4
Yu, Che-Hang ; Stirman, Jeffrey N. ; Yu, Yiyi ; Hira, Riichiro ; Smith, Spencer L. ( November 2021 , Nature Communications)
Flexible simultaneous mesoscale two-photon imaging of neural activity at high speeds
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-26737-3
Clough, Mitchell ; Chen, Ichun Anderson ; Park , Seong-Wook ; Ahrens , Allison M. ; Stirman, Jeffrey N.; Smith, Spencer L. ; Chen, Jerry L. ( November 2021 , Nature Communications)
Lens prescriptions
Full Diesel2p lens prescription available here
