Patent attributes
An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a miniature microscope capable of performing in vivo, real-time imaging of multiple organ sites in awake and behaving animals (e.g. rodents). A microscope according to the present invention includes multiple optical contrast mechanisms (i.e. contrast arising from neural, hemodynamic and other physiological components). Exemplary contrast mechanisms include, but are not limited to fluorescence, hemoglobin level, deoxyhemoglobin level, and blood flow. The microscope is fully adaptable to in vitro and ex vivo imaging, can be customized to concurrently image at variable magnifications, conduct optogenetic/electrical/chemical stimulations, drug delivery, microdialysis, accompanied by electrical signal recording, wireless image transmission and charging.
