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Light sources and cameras for standard in vitro membrane potential and high‐speed ion imaging
Author(s) -
DAVIES R.,
GRAHAM J.,
CANEPARI M.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of microscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.569
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1365-2818
pISSN - 0022-2720
DOI - 10.1111/jmi.12047
Subject(s) - diode , detector , noise (video) , signal (programming language) , instrumentation (computer programming) , computer science , temporal resolution , semiconductor , optoelectronics , optics , materials science , physics , nanotechnology , artificial intelligence , image (mathematics) , programming language , operating system
Summary Membrane potential and fast ion imaging are now standard optical techniques routinely used to record dynamic physiological signals in several preparations in vitro . Although detailed resolution of optical signals can be improved by confocal or two‐photon microscopy, high spatial and temporal resolution can be obtained using conventional microscopy and affordable light sources and cameras. Thus, standard wide‐field imaging methods are still the most common in research laboratories and can often produce measurements with a signal‐to‐noise ratio that is superior to other optical approaches. This paper seeks to review the most important instrumentation used in these experiments, with particular reference to recent technological advances. We analyse in detail the optical constraints dictating the type of signals that are obtained with voltage and ion imaging and we discuss how to use this information to choose the optimal apparatus. Then, we discuss the available light sources with specific attention to light emitting diodes and solid state lasers. We then address the current state‐of‐the‐art of available charge coupled device, electron multiplying charge coupled device and complementary metal oxide semiconductor cameras and we analyse the characteristics that need to be taken into account for the choice of optimal detector. Finally, we conclude by discussing prospective future developments that are likely to further improve the quality of the signals expanding the capability of the techniques and opening the gate to novel applications.

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