An optogenetic neural recording system and its application to study the mouse visual cortex

In this paper we present an optogenetic neural recording system and its application to the study of the mouse visual cortex. We used a 32 x 32 fast and custom-designed imaging chip and system specifically designed to operate with voltage sensitive dyes. The system can operate up to 1000 frames per second, delivering a peak SNR performance of 63 dB, weighs less than 10 grams and consumes 12 mW of power. We used this device to perform simultaneous electrical stimulation of area V1 and optical recording using a voltage sensitive dye in areas V1, LM and more in the mouse visual cortex. We also performed electrical stimulation in V4 and recorded optical signals using a calcium sensitive dye. We report experimental results on both calcium and voltage sensitive dye experiments that potentially help disambiguate the organization of the mouse visual cortex, revealing its complex structure.