GRIN Lenses & Streamlined Workflow Solutions
Workflow Simplified with Inscopix Solution
At the core of every successful calcium imaging study is precise expression and optical access. Inscopix offers a comprehensive portfolio of consumables to support your research, including Gradient Refractive Index (GRIN) lenses and workflow-enhancing kits. These solutions are designed to simplify experimental setup and enable high-resolution imaging in deep brain regions of freely behaving animals. Discover how our reagents and optics can accelerate your path from surgery to insight.
ProView™ Express Kit
Create your own virus-coated lenses using your preferred viral constructs. The ProView Express Kit simplifies the workflow with a single-step surgery and ensures consistent, localized expression for precise neural circuit imaging.
Key benefits:
- Streamlines surgery by integrating virus delivery and implantation into a single step
- Enables consistent imaging with reproducible, localized expression across cohorts
- Provides flexibility to customize probes with your virus of choice for tailored imaging needs
Gradient Index (GRIN) Lenses
GRIN lenses use a continuous change in refractive index within the lens material, replacing complex curved surfaces with flat optical surfaces. Light rays continuously bend within the lens until they converge at a focal point.
Inscopix lenses are specialized GRIN lenses designed for in-vivo imaging, addressing diverse neuroscience research needs in non-human subjects. Our range of lens options is optimized for calcium imaging applications. Explore our lens options below and contact us for more information.
ProView™ Integrated Lenses
Our ProView Integrated lenses and ProView DC Integrated lenses have a miniscope-compatible baseplate with an attached GRIN lens. When combined with our RTI viruses, they streamline surgical procedures and produce optimal imaging results. The ProView DC Integrated Lenses are optimized for dual-color imaging to minimize chromatic aberration.
- Facilitate efficient surgeries and ensure consistent, reproducible imaging across cohorts
- Optimize the gap between the objective and GRIN lens for a consistent working distance range
- Provide both straight and prism choices for versatile applications
ProView Lenses
ProView lenses are GRIN lenses with an attached cuff. They are designed to be used with the ProView Implant Kit for secure holding and easier insertion of the lens during implantation.
- Improve surgical efficiency and time while reducing complications during implantation
- Protective cuff shield the lens and ensures optical durability
- Offer both straight and prism choices for versatile applications
GRIN Lenses
GRIN lenses used for single-photon (1P) excitation microscopy.
- Straight lenses: Designed for imaging cell layers within a working distance of ~0-200 μm beneath the lens implantation site
- Prism lenses: Offered a 90-degree side-view imaging capability, avoiding direct implantation over cells of interest and capturing multi-layered views within a working distance of ~0-300 μm.
2P & ProView 2P GRIN Lenses
Two-photon (2P) GRIN Lenses and the ProView 2P GRIN Lenses with customized cuff are expertly designed for optimal 2P excitation microscopy.
Inscopix offers a range of 2P GRIN lenses that support customer applications for 2P imaging including multiphoton microscopes.
- Capture detailed images deep within biological tissues with minimal damage
- Improve surgical efficiency and time while reducing complications during implantation with ProView 2P
- Doublet 2P GRIN lens option offers 2.5x magnification enhancing cellular resolution
ProView Implant Kit
ProView Implant Kit is specifically designed to secure the ProView lens and ProView 2P GRIN lens.
- Compatible with most stereotax
- Supports precise implantation coordinates
- Increases surgical yield and minimizes damage
Multi-Site GRIN Lenses
GRIN lenses used for the Bruker multi-site miniscope imaging system.
GRIN lens with connectors:
- Designed for imaging cell layers within a working distance of ~0-250 μm beneath the lens implantation site
- Connector attached to GRIN lens ensures reproducible imaging success
- Customizable lengths available upon request
Additional Resources
This research highlight features Sierra Miller, Ph.D., and her work using miniscopes to study neurocircuitry and introducing these novel technologies to undergraduate students.
Discover what multiphoton microscopy and a 2P GRIN lens can reveal deep in the brain.
Watch our Lunch ‘n Learn webinar on optimizing your miniscope imaging workflow.