Optical Manipulation and Recording of Neural Activity with Wavefront Engineering

Abstract One of the central goals neuroscience is to decipher specific contributions neural mechanisms different aspects sensory perception. Since achieving this goal requires tools capable precisely perturbing and monitoring activity across a multitude spatiotemporal scales, aim has inspired innovation many optical technologies manipulating recording in minimally invasive manner. The interdisciplinary nature neurophotonics broad knowledge base order successfully develop apply these technologies, one principal aims chapter provide some basic but fundamental background information terms both physiology optics context all-optical two-photon neurophysiology experiments. Most expected be familiar readers experienced either domain, presented here with bridging divide between disciplines enable physicists engineers useful or for neuroscientists select appropriate them their maximum potential. first section dedicated brief overview principles relevant controlling neuronal using light. Then, selection actuators sensors particular signals discussed, attention paid kinetics sensitivity. Some considerations minimizing crosstalk experiments are also introduced. Next, an state-of-the-art provided, including description suitable laser sources excitation according experimental requirements. Finally, detailed, technical, regarding wavefront engineering approaches known as Generalized Phase Contrast (GPC) temporal focusing provided.