Wide-Field Imaging Macroscope/MesoScope with Superb Transmission Characteristics and unparalleled Customization Options

TandemImager WidefieldScope

Custom-Built Tandem-Lens Epifluorescence Macroscope for Neuroscientific Research

Based on the efficient and cutting-edge design principles outlined in the 1991 paper by Ratzlaff and Grinvald, NeuroGig now offers a custom-built Tandem-Lens Epifluorescence “TandemImager”, designed specifically for your experimental needs.

Achieve unparalleled clarity and brightness in wide-field imaging with our state-of-the-art system. By integrating off-the-shelf, cutting-edge advancements in optics and lens technology with the tandem-lens strategy pioneered by Ratzlaff and Grinvald, we deliver a macroscope/mesoscope optimized for your precise scientific applications.

Key Benefits of the TandemImager WidefieldScope

Our Tandem-Lens system offers a dramatic increase in brightness and significantly reduced noise levels compared to conventional low-magnification microscopes and dissection scopes. This enhancement enables high-speed, high-sensitivity functional imaging at low magnification (typically 0.5x to 5x) with optimal resolution across wide fields of view (spanning several millimeters in diameter), using a long working distance objective lens (typically >20mm).

Tailored Applications for Neuroscience

NeuroGig builds each macroscope to suit your specific experimental outcomes. Whether your research focuses on cortical dynamics, vascular networks, or deep-brain activity, our macroscope is an essential tool for:

Real-time Functional Imaging of the Cortex and Deeper Layers:

– Calcium imaging (GCaMP, GECIs): Visualize neural activity with enhanced signal-to-noise ratios, even in large-scale recordings.

– Intrinsic signal imaging: Capture real-time hemodynamic and metabolic responses. High-resolution tracking of microvascular changes in real-time.

– Other Reporters: The original Grinvald paper also explored the use of the tandem-lens macroscope for doing fast voltage-imaging. Because of the superior transmission characteristics, they achieved excellent results. With voltage reporters having developed since then, the TandemScope might be the ideal instrument for this demanding application.

– Combined imaging and optogenetics: Seamlessly integrate optical stimulation for closed-loop experimental designs.

Fluorescence Histology:

– Leverage the superior transmission properties of the tandem-lens optics to visualize fluorescent structures that remain undetectable with conventional low-magnification microscopes. This is particularly effective for detailed imaging of labeled tissue sections.

Purpose-built Ergonomic Design

Have your microscope designed in a way that suits your ergonomic requirements: Mount the macroscope/mesoscope body on a more conventional pillar-based mount, a gantry-based beam for more space below the optics or even with a horizontal optical axis.
We offer manual or motorized positioning adjustment.

Expandable, Future-Proof Design

The TandemImager’s infinity optical path supports the addition of multiple illumination and detection ports, offering unparalleled flexibility. This modularity allows researchers to expand and upgrade their system over time as experimental needs evolve—whether by incorporating advanced imaging modalities, new light sources, or multi-channel detection systems.

Frequently Asked Questions about the TandemImager Macroscope/Mesoscope for Neuroscience

What does the process of getting a working macroscope in my laboratory typically involve?

It starts with a conversation about your planned experiments, and what you want to achieve. Because of the infinity light path design, it is possible to split the light path and adding additional light sources and detectors, assembling a macroscope that is designed to answer your questions. Let us know what you are planning.

Will the setup by an out-of-the-box plug-and-play solution?

In some instances, yes. But because of the versatility of the TandemImager, there may be applications where some integration will be expected from the end-user lab (e.g. the triggering and strobing hardware and software to distinguish between the 405nm and 470nm camera images during GCaMP imaging).

We offer installation and integration services.

Does this macroscope (or “mesoscope”) qualify as open-source hardware?

It depends on your exact definition. Whilst the design principles used for the TandemImager is based on the 1991 Grinvald paper, the exact design, optics and other components depend on the end-user’s application and more recent developments. With the components being off-the-shelf, your macroscope is easy to upgrade and expand upon.