Statement of Requirements:
The University of Ottawa is pleased to invite qualified proponents to submit a proposal for an Amplified Femtosecond Laser
System that will be part of of a 3D Acoustic Optical Deflector (AOD) Based Random Access Multi-Photon (RAMP) Microscope
System that will be used to collect data from custom defined positions at high temporal precision. The primary use of the system
will be to monitor synaptic signals and action potentials from subcellular neuronal compartments and large number of neuronal
somas. In addition to monitoring physiological signals, the system will also be used for stimulating neuronal elements through
optogenetic methods and uncaging. The system must be able to perfrom two-photon RAMP imaging and laser photo-activation
system to execute neuroscience experiments compatible with live cell imaging, voltage imaging and synchronized
electrophysiology in brain slices in vitro and in in vivo experimental designs. The system should be optimized for fast imaging
from small custom defined Region of Interest (ROIs) while simultaneously allowing experimental manipulations (i.e. uncaging).
General Description:
The objective of the research is to understand the physiological processes by which the brain translates incoming information
and code new memories. In order to achieve this, image neuronal activity at a very high speed is required. The microscope
system will be used to monitor neuronal voltage signals at high temporal and spatial resolution. Data obtained with the new
imaging system will expand research aiming to unveil new knowledge about memory formation and spatial navigation using novel
imaging and computational technologies that can be identified in future experiments as therapeutic targets for the treatment of
dementia.
The primary use of this system will be to study a) voltage signals in dendritic compartments and axonal terminals and b)
physiological responses from large number of neurons simultaneously. Imaging will be done in 3D custom defined locations which
could include various locations along the same dendritic tree or identified somas in from a larger volume. The system will be used
for high frequency recording of neural signals from spatially separated and distinct subcellular compartments and for the
synchronous stimulation of multiple synaptic inputs terminating on various dendritic regions at a kilohertz rate. The intended use
of the system will be to detect single action potentials in trains and subthreshold voltage changes in single trials, with sub
millisecond temporal resolution.
Mandatory Minimum Requirements for the Amplified Femtosecond Laser System for AOD Multiphoton Microscope:
1. Amplified Femtosecond Laser Source
1.1 - Pulse Duration FWHM (full width at half maximum) (100 fs ≤ t ≤ 400 fs).
1.2 - Pulse Bandwidth FWHM (full width at half maximum) (bw ≤ 15nm).
1.3 - Central wavelength λc = 1030 ± 15nm.
1.4 - Pulse Energy (Single Shot to 1MHz) : (E ≥ 40μJ).
1.5 - Constant Pulse Energy Range (0 ≤ CE ≤ 1MHz).
1.6 - Maximum repetition rate (fmax ≥ 1MHz).
1.7 - Power stability ( < 2% RMS over 1MHz bandwidth).
1.8 - Beam quality (M2 < 1.3).
1.9 - Beam diameter (Φ < 3mm).
2. Connected OPA Module
2.1 Pulse Duration FWHM (full width at half maximum) (100 fs ≤ t ≤ 400 fs).
2.2 Pulse Bandwidth FWHM (full width at half maximum) (bw ≤ 15nm).
2.3 Input pulse energy (Ein ≥ 40 μJ).
2.4 Output pulse energy Signal (Eout ≥ 2μJ).
2.5 Output pulse energy Idler (Eout ≥ 2μJ).
2.6 Beam Size Diameter (Φ < 3mm).
2.7 Minimum Output Signal Wavelength Range (650 < λs < 1010).
2.8 Minimum Output Idler Wavelength Range (1050 < λs < 1200).
2.9 Output Pulse Energy Stability (< 2% RMS).
3. Pump and OPA System Dimensions
3.1System Dimensions: Fits on the corner of an optical table inside a Γ (gamma capital) shape. Defined by the two adjacent rectangles: Top: WxL 1300x500, Bottom: WxL 950x490. Please refer to Figure 1 – Optical Table Layout – Amplified Femtosecond Laser System.
3.2 Beam output height 110-130mm from the optical table.
3.3 The system must provide a stable fixation to the optical table. (in the corner of an optical table with metric M6 taps @ 25mm grid starting at 12.5mm from the edge).
4. Warranty, Installation and Training
4.1 Must include 1 year standard manufacturer’s warranty.
4.2 Must include installation and on-site training.
