====== Spy1: Fast multiphoton imaging with 3D random access ======

Contributed by [[dejan@salk.edu|Dejan Vučinić]]

A convergence of several recent advances in lasers, oscilloscopes
and Direct Digital Synthesis of radio-frequency signals made it
possible to construct an {{cost.pdf|inexpensive}} but
very capable two-photon imaging system without the use of a
traditional scanning microscope.  In these pages
you will find detailed instructions for building the components
of the first [[http://neurospy.org|Spy]] constructed in 2006.
The entire system turned out very compact, yet allowed video-rate
full-frame scanning, three-dimensional random access in microseconds,
and fluorescence lifetime imaging.

Read the [[http://www.plosone.org/doi/pone.0000699|article]] about Spy1
in [[http://plosone.org|PLoS ONE]] or view the
[[optical:spy:supplementary|supplementary information]].

{{rig_small.jpg?400}}

These pages are under heavy construction, more details are
arriving weekly.  Check back later, or [[dejan@salk.edu|contact the author]]
if you just can't wait to learn more.

  * [[optical:spy:laser|Yb:KYW laser construction]]

  * [[optical:spy:ao|Acousto-optic scanning with Direct Digital Synthesis]]

  * [[http://neurospy.org|neurospy software]]

  * [[optical:neurospy:home|neurospy documentation]]