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FAQ

What is MiCAM?
MiCAM is a series of high-speed cameras specially designed to detect extremely small changes in light levels with optimal high speed, high resolution, and a high signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio. All cameras are designed and manufactured in Japan.
What are voltage-sensitive dyes?
voltage-sensitive dyes are fluorescent dyes whose intensity changes in response to membrane potential. By using these dyes as chemical probes and capturing the changes in light intensity with a high-speed imaging device, it is possible to visualize in real time where, when, and to what extent excitation and inhibition occur in the brain and heart.
What are the advantages of Voltage-Sensitive Dye Imaging (VSDI)?
Compared to conventional electrophysiological recordings using electrodes, Voltage-Sensitive Dye Imaging (VSDI) offers three major advantages:

Non-invasive recording:
Since changes in action potentials in brain or heart tissue are captured with light, there is no physical damage from electrodes. It also allows for the simultaneous visualization of activity and signal propagation over a wide field of view.

Easy recording without the need for electrophysiological skills:
No experience with electrophysiological techniques such as patch-clamping or intracellular recording is required. Compared to conventional techniques using electrodes, it allows for the acquisition of more data, recording signals at 10,000 to 65,536 points.

Capable of multi-parametric recording (Vm, Ca2+, metabolism, etc.):
By selecting the appropriate fluorescent dyes and filters, it is possible to simultaneously record changes not only in membrane potential but also in calcium concentration and metabolism-related indicators.
What is optical mapping of membrane potential?
Optical mapping is a technique based on conventional electrophysiology that uses optical imaging methods to further understand membrane potential in cellular networks, both spatially and temporally. Unlike conventional patch-clamp recordings using electrodes, membrane potential is optically recorded in two dimensions using voltage-sensitive dyes. This optical mapping method allows researchers to image a large area with minimal invasiveness.
What biological samples can be used for optical mapping?
Optical mapping technology is used for in vivo animals, tissue slices, isolated muscle tissue, in vitro samples such as cultured cells, and similar applications. Specific examples include isolated hearts (Langendorff-perfused hearts, in vivo hearts), cultured cardiomyocyte sheets, iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, in vivo brain (somatosensory cortex, visual cortex, auditory cortex), and brain slices (hippocampus, somatosensory cortex, visual cortex, auditory cortex).
What is the required system configuration for optical mapping?
The MiCAM system includes a camera, a processor, data acquisition software, data analysis software, a software license, a personal computer with an interface, and a PC monitor.

Additionally, depending on the type of experiment, other equipment such as a fluorescence microscope, a bright and stable light source, an anti-vibration table, and an isolator are also required. The MiCAM05 is a turnkey system with hardware and software specially designed for high-speed fluorescence imaging, and it includes a PC and monitor as standard equipment.
What is the maximum frame rate of the MiCAM system?
Various maximum frame rates are possible with the MiCAM system, depending on the model and settings.
The MiCAM05-N256 can achieve an ultra-high frame rate of 20,000 fps at 32 x 32 pixels, 5,556 fps at 128 x 128 pixels, and 1,923 fps at 256 x 256 pixels.
What is the THT Mesoscope and what are its advantages?
The THT Mesoscope is a tandem-lens fluorescence optical system developed to detect faint fluorescence emitted from biological samples at low magnification. Over the past 20 years, approximately 250 units have been sold and used in many scientific papers for high-speed fluorescence imaging applications such as voltage-sensitive dye imaging, GCaMP imaging, and GEVI imaging. Its main advantages are as follows:

Much brighter than other fluorescence stereomicroscopes:
Due to its simple structure with less light loss (no eyepieces or zoom function), a large-aperture objective lens, and custom-made large fluorescence filters, it is approximately 30 times brighter at 1x overall magnification and 10 times brighter at 2x compared to other fluorescence stereomicroscopes.

Imaging of the entire tissue with a wide field of view:
By combining lenses, it covers a low magnification range from approximately 0.19x to 6.3x, enabling wide-field imaging.

The optical axis can be tilted and rotated:
A stand is available that allows the optical axis to be rotated 360 degrees left and right without needing to tilt the animal sample. This enables imaging of the entire temporal lobe of the brain.

Simultaneous 2-3 wavelength measurement using multiple fluorescent probes:
By using the main body as a beam splitter or connecting a beam splitter, it is possible to perform simultaneous measurements with different fluorescent probes or conduct photostimulation experiments using optogenetics.

Hemodynamic correction of GCaMP signals via dual-wavelength excitation:
When combined with the LEX9, a high-power and stable LED light source system, it is ideal for GCaMP imaging (using 405nm and 460nm) and other dual-wavelength imaging experiments.
What software is used for data acquisition and analysis with the MiCAM system?
BV Workbench is used as the image acquisition software for the MiCAM optical mapping system. In addition to image acquisition and input/output control of the imaging system, BV Workbench also includes analysis functions such as video playback, waveform display, and filtering.

It features an intuitive user interface for easy mouse operation. The previous data analysis software was BV_Ana, but it is no longer sold or supported; the latest version is BV Workbench.
What are SciMedia's strengths in implementing the MiCAM system?
SciMedia specializes in turnkey high-speed optical mapping systems for neuroscience and cardiac research, and its strengths are as follows:

A proprietary CMOS image sensor with high speed, wide dynamic range, and low noise: It is designed to detect both voltage-sensitive dye signals and calcium signals with an optimal S/N ratio.

Over 27 years of experience in developing imaging systems, optics, and software.

Provides ready-to-use turnkey systems, with custom products available upon customer request. Hardware connections are also easy, allowing for immediate data acquisition after setup.

A proven track record: Their imaging systems have been used in 650 scientific research papers and 420 units have been installed in over 220 universities, research institutions, and companies.
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