Advanced optics to enable large-field multiphoton imaging for neuroscience and beyond
Official title: Advanced optics to unlock large field-of-view multiphoton imaging for neuroscienceand beyond
Funded at Pacific Optica, INC. · NIH-11314181 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new imaging system using advanced optics aims to give researchers a bigger view and faster 3D imaging of living brain tissue and other samples.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pacific Optica, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Barbara, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $723,250 |
| NIH project number | 2R44MH136563-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11314181 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Researchers and clinicians working with brain tissue or similar biological preparations who need high-speed, large-field imaging.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefit may be limited until imaging findings translate to clinical diagnostics or therapies.
What this research studies
This grant supports developing and commercializing a turn-key multiphoton imaging platform with a larger field of view, high resolution, and fast 3D scanning. It builds on Phase 1 work that created a novel objective and scan engines to image deeper into living samples without losing speed or clarity. The project plans three aims: (1) integrate the new components into a complete imaging system, (2) develop a highly corrected super-apochromatic objective, and (3) add a rapid 3D imaging module for fast voltage signals. University partners will help refine the technology and validate its performance for broad biological use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients and researchers could benefit from faster, higher-quality imaging of brain activity and other tissues, potentially accelerating neuroscience discovery and diagnostic tool development.
How similar studies have gone: Previous imaging advances show promise, and this project aims to translate those gains into a practical, widely usable system.
Where this research is happening
-
Pacific Optica, INC.
Santa Barbara, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcgreal, Ryan Patrick — Pacific Optica, INC.
- Study coordinator: Mcgreal, Ryan Patrick
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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New optical tools to improve brain imaging techniques
This study is working on new tools to help scientists see and understand how the brain works better and faster, which will help them learn more about brain activity and improve research in neurobiology.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.