Zapit: Open Source Random-Access Photostimulation For Neuroscience
Optogenetic tools are indispensable for understanding the causal neural mechanisms underlying animal behaviour. While optogenetic actuators provide millisecond-precision control over genetically defined neural populations, successful optogenetic experiments also critically depend on associated hardware for targeted light delivery. Optic-fibres are suitable for certain experiments, however fibre implantation can be invasive and limits flexibility of spatial targeting. In contrast, random-access laser-scanning optogenetic systems provide far greater flexibility for targeting distributed cortical areas. However, these systems can be technically challenging to build, and at present no open source solution is available. Here we present "Zapit", a complete open source platform for spatio-temporally precise random-access laser-scanning optogenetic experiments in head-fixed mice. We describe the system, quantify its performance, and show results from proof of principle cortical photoinhibition experiments in behaving mice.