Hamamatsu Photonics succeeded in creating a technology that upgrades the spatial resolution of two-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy

2022/05/26

External view of two-photon excitation fluorescence microscope developed through our research

External view of two-photon excitation fluorescence microscope developed through our research

Ideal for high-precision observations of deep regions in biological samples, this technology will become an indispensable tool for understanding brain functions. This was achieved through intensive research efforts using our spatial light modulators (SLM) (*1) and our unique optical control technology fostered over many years.

Applying results from this research will easily enhance the resolution of two-photon excitation microscopes equipped with an SLM. This new microscopy technique is being put to practical use across a broad range of fields including neuroscience and biology. It allows for detailed measurements of deep regions in biological samples and highly accurate observations of changes in the state of organelles that make up cells. This makes it a promising tool for applications in research on brain functions, kidney disease and other illnesses. 

The results from this research were published on April 20 in the leading scientific journal on neuroscience “Frontiers in Neuroscience”. Results were achieved by a joint research effort with a laboratory endowed for Biophotonics Innovation and from a course on Virology and Parasitology offered at the Hamamatsu University School of Medicine.

*1: A spatial light modulator or SLM is an optical device that utilizes a liquid crystal to control the wavefront of an incident light such as from lasers to adjust the wavefront shape of the reflected light. Using a spatial light modulator allows freely controlling the laser beam pattern for example to branch the incident light and correct its distortion.

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