Using light to probe brain activity in three dimensions

Understanding how networks of neurons in the mammalian brain process sensory inputs and shape motor outputs is one of science's great challenges. This venture has been greatly advanced in recent years by the development of optical tools to probe brain function. In this project, we use holography to split a single laser into multiple foci, where each focus functions as light probe to manipulate and record neuronal activity in 3D. We propose to build a system that uses an all-optical method to photostimulate and record nerve activity at multiple sites simultaneously. With this tool, we will investigate unresolved issues in neuroscience such as compartmentalized neuronal excitability and signal transfer through networks of neurons.