Mightex OASIS Macro mesoscope for optical imaging and optogenetics

The OASIS Macro, by Mightex, is a mesoscope for all-optical targeted optogenetics, calcium imaging and intrinsic imaging procedures. It enables researchers to simultaneously image the entire mouse cortex and perform targeted optogenetics (with Mightex’s Polygon DMD illuminator).

The product is a reconfigurable mesoscope for in vivo imaging and optogenetics. The final system can be tailored to performance requirements for unique applications; this can include major features such as adding a second and third illumination source, or a dual-camera imaging system, as well as fine details including compatibility features for certain cameras and objectives.

It is designed to image the activity of thousands of neuronal populations across the entire cortex of a head-fixed mouse or large cortical areas of an awake animal. The lenses compatible with the device provide a large field of view compared to conventional microscopes.

The product performs region-specific targeted optogenetics or stimulates the entire cortical area with widefield optogenetics. The addition of Mightex’s Polygon DMD illuminator enables targeted patterned illumination of regions or cells of interest. The mesoscope can easily synchronise imaging or optogenetics with other lab equipment, so users can synchronise with their stimulation patterns or imaging with electrophysiology or behavioural equipment.

With in vivo imaging in mind, the simplistic mesoscope design supports the use of scientific-grade cameras that maximise the quality and temporal resolution of the image acquisition. It is compatible with any C-mount camera or multiple cameras.

A heavy-duty precision XYZ stage is mounted on an articulated support structure and the OASIS optical assembly is in turn mounted on the XYZ stage. The XYZ stage controls the lateral motion as well as the focus of the system. The support structure allows for two axes of tilt, allowing the optical assembly to rotate both left and right, and forward and backward.