Our research
Photograph taken within SUAVES project by Sorbonne Université
Credits: Alban Lécuyer
Shining Light on the Brain's Mysteries
Neuronal circuits are the brain’s fundamental units, responsible for processing information from the world around us. They shape our perceptions, guide our actions, and define our identities. Understanding how neuronal circuits work is one of the greatest scientific challenges of our time, which requires extremely sophisticated tools to probe them.
In the past 15 years, the field of neurophotonics has revolutionized neuroscience by enabling us to visualize and manipulate brain activity with light. Fluorescent indicators allow us to see neurons “fire”, while optogenetic techniques give us the power to control neural activity using light. However, the ability to truly decipher the brain’s complex networks depends on the continued development of powerful microscopy techniques.
At the NPN group, we design build and apply state-of-the-art microscopy tools for neuroscience. Our mission is to provide the scientific community with the technologies needed to illuminate the brain’s mysteries.
Spatial and Temporal Shaping of Ultrafast Lasers with Diffractive Optical Elements
A central aspect of our research is the precise shaping of laser beams in both space and time. For spatial shaping, we utilize spatial light modulators (SLMs) to dynamically adjust the distribution of excitation at the sample plane, allowing us to target specific cells more accurately (Ref. Accanto*, Molinier* et al., Optica, 2018). Temporal shaping is essential for optimizing nonlinear excitation and can be achieved actively, using pulse shapers based on SLMs (Accanto et al. Light: Science and Applications, 2014), or passively, by incorporating elements that introduce spatially varying delays to the laser beam (Ref. Lorca-Cámara et al., Biomedical Optics Express).
Credits for the picture: Clément Molinier.
Photograph taken within SUAVES project by Sorbonne Université
Credits: Alban Lécuyer
Miniaturized Two-Photon Fiberscope for Studying the Brain in Freely Moving Animals
To study animals engaged in natural behaviors, the field of neurophotonics has seen a surge in the development of portable two-photon (2P) microscopes, enabling the imaging of neuronal activity in freely moving mice. Our group has been at the forefront of this “miniaturized microscope revolution,” demonstrating the first flexible 2P fiberscope for optogenetic photostimulation (2P-FENDO, Ref. Accanto*, Blot*, Lorca-Cámara* et al., Neuron). We are currently focused on enhancing this technology’s capabilities and have several open positions for postdocs and PhD students.