Optical Voltage Sensors

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Summary: UCLA researchers have developed nanoscale optical voltage sensor. The hybrid structure of the sensor allows active manipulation of light signals at sub-wavelength scale. NOVS can sensitively and rapidly transduce membrane voltage signals into detectable optical signals for direct recording and monitoring. Applications: Nanoscale electro-optics Information displays In vitro and in vivo voltage sensors for highly sensitive real-time monitoring cellular membrane potential In situ monitoring of local electric fields Monitoring of voltage propagation in neurons Neuronal and brain mapping   Advantages: Real time modulation of plasmonic resonance. Enable creations of a new generation of nanoscale voltage sensors Larger voltage sensitivity detection and mapping capabilities of neuronal electrophysiological signals and brain function connectivity High sensitivity, resolution, and throughput Can be flexibly delivered into living tissue via the vascular system and minimally invasive probes Can be expanded in detecting, imaging, monitoring and manipulating neuronal activity