LASU - Laser Applied Stimulation & Uncaging

The LASU system is perfect for users engaging in optogenetics, uncaging or other photo-stimulation experiments. The laser spot positioning is accurate and repeatable enabling fast experimental manipulation of biological systems.

Based on the highly successful design of Scientifica's award-winning Multiphoton Imaging System, LASU uses 'Galvo' mirrors for fast, accurate and repeatable laser spot positioning. The wide range of laser modules means you can select one or more wavelengths and add to these as your needs, and the range of 'opsins', develop.

The LASU system was developed in collaboration with VU University Amsterdam and provides the ability to carry out uncaging or optogenetics experiments by selecting the specific laser modules. The versatility of LASU means that it is also possible to integrate both techniques into one setup.

The reliable hardware and powerful software enables convenient stimulation-spot positioning as well as full control of the laser power and firing frequency. The integrated imaging system also allows for patch clamping and other visibly guided experimentation, making the LASU an extremely versatile system.


Benefits:

• Choice of laser wavelengths
  For precise control of your experiment, LASU is able to deliver a Laser spot smaller than 2 microns (depending on the objective used). This means you are able to stimulate exactly where you need. This provides much greater experimental control than 'full field' stimulation.
• Powerful software
  The LASU software is easy to use enabling control of stimulation site, laser power and pulse duration. With these functions and the live camera feed make this an extremely user friendly system.
• Simple integration
  The LASU system fits directly onto the Scientifica upright microscope 'SliceScope' making it an easy upgrade for existing rigs.
• Proven technology
  The Galvo mirror driven hardware and optical components are based on the Scientifica award-winning Two-Photon system giving you complete confidence when choosing LASU.
• Compact
  The compact nature of the LASU scanhead, SliceScope fram and laser modules mean that it can be mounted on most standard antivibration tables, saving you space and money.
• Free space launched or fibre guided laser delivery
  The choice of laser input through either fibre or free-space launch optics means that you can choose which method best suits your experimental setup.
• Perfect for optogenetics
  The choice of laser wavelengths available are suitable for 'channelrhodopsin' and 'halorhodopsin'. Allowing compete control over the laser power and stimulation frequency makes the LASU an essential tool for optogenetic experiments.
• Perfect for glutamate uncaging
  The 405nm wavelength Laser module is perfectly suited to Glutamate uncaging experiments when used with commercially available caged compounds.

Applications:

• Glutamate uncaging
• Optogenetics
• Photo-activation
• Photo-stimulation
• Laser uncaging
• Channelrhodposin activation
• Halorhodopsin activation
• In vitro optogenetics
• Neural network studies