All-optical neurophysiology with holographic light shaping

To unravel how the mammalian brain computes in health and disease, neuroscientists need techniques that can non-invasively interrogate and manipulate neuronal activity with high spatiotemporal precision. In recent years, new approaches have emerged to achieve this goal by combining advanced light-shaping optical methods, two-photon excitation, and genetic tools for calcium, voltage imaging and optogenetics. Here, we provide a brief overview of these approaches, which lay the foundation for fully optical neurophysiology in both head-restrained and freely moving animals.