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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2024.09.23.612766

TWINKLE: An open-source two-photon microscope for teaching and research

Schottdorf, M.·Rich, P. D.·Diamanti, E. M.·Lin, A.·Tafazoli, S.·Nieh, E. H.·Thiberge, S. Y.
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Abstract

Many laboratories use two-photon microscopy through commercial suppliers, or homemade designs of considerable complexity. The integrated nature of these systems complicates customization, troubleshooting, and training on the principles of two-photon microscopy. Here, we present "Twinkle": a microscope for Two-photon Imaging in Neuroscience, and Kit for Learning and Education. It is a fully open, high performing and easy-to-set-up microscope that can effectively be used for both education and research. The instrument features a > 1 mm field of view, using a modern objective with 3 mm working distance and 2 inch diameter optics combined with GaAsP photomultiplier tubes to maximize the fluorescence signal. We document our experiences using this system as a teaching tool in several two week long workshops, exemplify scientific use cases, and conclude with a broader note on the place of our work in the growing space of open scientific instrumentation.

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Schottdorf, M., Rich, P. D., Diamanti, E. M., Lin, A., Tafazoli, S., Nieh, E. H., Thiberge, S. Y.. 2024-09-23. TWINKLE: An open-source two-photon microscope for teaching and research. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.23.612766

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