Transcend Vivoscope SUPERNOVA-SMART Miniaturized Two-Photon Microscope (mTPM)

Overview

The Transcend Vivoscope SUPERNOVA-SMART is a rigorously engineered miniaturized two-photon microscope (mTPM) designed for high-fidelity in vivo neural imaging in freely behaving rodents. Leveraging near-infrared (NIR) pulsed laser excitation at 920 nm, the system exploits the nonlinear optical principle of simultaneous two-photon absorption to achieve intrinsic optical sectioning, reduced phototoxicity, and deep-tissue penetration—critical for longitudinal studies of neuronal structure and function. Unlike conventional benchtop two-photon systems constrained by head fixation, the SUPERNOVA-SMART integrates a lightweight, ergonomically optimized probe (2.6 g) that mounts directly onto a custom-designed headplate, enabling stable, motion-robust imaging during natural locomotion, social interaction, or operant behavior. Its compact architecture preserves diffraction-limited lateral resolution (0.79 µm at 920 nm) and delivers a 656 µm diagonal field of view with a 1.08 mm working distance—optimized for cortical layer I–IV targeting in mice and rats without compromising signal-to-noise ratio or axial confinement.

Key Features

• Ultra-lightweight integrated probe (2.6 g) with balanced center-of-mass design for extended wear and minimal behavioral perturbation
• High-speed resonant scanning (18 Hz at 256 × 220 pixels) synchronized with behavioral tracking and electrophysiological acquisition
• Modular optical path supporting interchangeable objectives and emission filters for spectral flexibility across fluorophores (e.g., GCaMP, jRGECO, tdTomato)
• Integrated thermal management and shock-isolated mechanical housing for stable performance under dynamic motion conditions
• Plug-and-play compatibility with standard optical tables, motorized XYZ stages, and third-party electrophysiology rigs (e.g., patch-clamp amplifiers, DAQ systems)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SUPERNOVA-SMART is validated for chronic in vivo imaging in transgenic and virally transduced mouse and rat models (C57BL/6, Thy1-GCaMP6, Ai148, etc.), including longitudinal sessions over ≥7 days with consistent probe alignment and signal stability. It supports both acute and chronic cranial window preparations (glass or polymer-based) and accommodates dual-probe configurations for bilateral or multi-region imaging. The system complies with ISO 13485-aligned manufacturing protocols for research-grade medical devices and meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per IEC 61326-1 for laboratory use. All firmware and control software adhere to ALCOA+ principles for data integrity, supporting audit trails, user access controls, and metadata embedding per GLP-compliant experimental workflows.

Software & Data Management

Acquisition and analysis are managed through SMART-Imager Suite—a Python-based, cross-platform application built on Qt and OpenCV. The suite provides real-time preview, automated focus lock via Z-feedback loop, motion correction using GPU-accelerated non-rigid registration (Elastix integration), and batch processing pipelines compliant with BIDS-Opto standards. Raw data are saved in HDF5 format with embedded timestamps, hardware configuration logs, and behavioral synchronization markers (TTL input/output). Export modules support NIfTI, TIFF, and NWB 2.0 formats for interoperability with analysis platforms including Suite2p, CaImAn, and Brainstorm. Software updates are delivered via secure HTTPS repository with SHA-256 signature verification.

Applications

• Freely moving calcium imaging of dendritic spines, axonal boutons, and microglial dynamics during learning and memory tasks
• Simultaneous two-photon targeted patch-clamp recording: precise neuron identification and electrode guidance within functional ensembles
• Multi-region imaging across prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus using co-registered probes or sequential repositioning
• Chronic monitoring of neurovascular coupling, astrocytic Ca²⁺ waves, and blood flow changes under pharmacological challenge
• Integration with optogenetic stimulation (473 nm/594 nm lasers) for closed-loop all-optical interrogation of defined circuits

FAQ

Is the SUPERNOVA-SMART compatible with existing benchtop two-photon systems?
Yes—the probe interface follows standard C-mount and SM1-thread specifications, allowing direct coupling to commercial scan boxes (e.g., Thorlabs Bergamo, Bruker Ultima) for hybrid fixed-head + free-behavior experiments.
What laser sources are supported?
The system is optimized for Ti:Sapphire lasers (690–1040 nm tuning range) and fiber-based OPOs; OEM integration with femtosecond fiber lasers (e.g., Toptica FemtoFiber pro) is available upon request.
Does the system support real-time online analysis?
SMART-Imager includes configurable ROI-based fluorescence extraction and spike inference (via deconvolution) with sub-second latency, suitable for behavioral feedback loops.
How is probe sterilization and maintenance handled?
The probe housing is autoclavable (121°C, 20 min); optical components are cleaned using Class 100 cleanroom protocols with methanol and nitrogen purge—no routine calibration required between sessions.
Can data be exported for regulatory submission (e.g., FDA IND-enabling studies)?
Yes—metadata-rich HDF5 exports include full traceability (user ID, timestamp, instrument serial, laser power log), satisfying 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed with validated IT infrastructure.