INSS Custom Multiphoton Microscopes and Consulting Services

INSS designs and builds custom multiphoton microscopy systems tailored specifically for neuroscience research. Our core offering is an assisted-DIY approach, combining bespoke hardware, software integration, installation, training, and consulting services. The systems are highly flexible and built using off-the-shelf components, making them more cost-effective (typically 30% less expensive) than traditional vendor packages, while still achieving or exceeding equivalent performance.

We specialize in integrating hardware with ScanImage, an application based on MATLAB, developed by MBF Bioscience. All of our microscope builds are controlled through ScanImage and vDAQ hardware, which ensures tight synchronization between data acquisition, control systems, and image capture. In addition to microscope builds, INSS offers expert consulting and training on system design, image acquisition, data analysis (including image processing workflows based on MATLAB), and laser safety.

Our clients include academic neuroscience laboratories. They benefit from our deep expertise in microscope control systems and a flexible support model based on MATLAB.

The primary end users of INSS products are neuroscience researchers performing high-resolution in vivo or in vitro imaging, particularly those using multiphoton fluorescence microscopy for brain research. INSS systems are ideal for academic labs, imaging core facilities, and research groups seeking flexible and cost-effective imaging setups.

Multiphoton imaging is a widely used technique in neuroscience, and INSS's modular DIY-style microscopes offer unmatched adaptability. Our systems support diverse experimental needs—from calcium imaging in live animals to optogenetics, voltage imaging, or structural imaging—and are optimized for use with tools based on MATLAB like ScanImage and vDAQ.

The core software we use for microscope control and image acquisition is ScanImage, which is entirely based on MATLAB. It enables users to control galvo/mirror scanners, photodetectors, data acquisition, and laser modulation via a MATLAB GUI and scripting interface.

INSS microscopes interface with MATLAB through ScanImage APIs and scripts, enabling advanced control, automation, and experimental customization directly via MATLAB. Additionally, we utilize MATLAB in our post-acquisition image analysis workflows for tasks such as signal extraction, motion correction, and ROI-based fluorescence signal processing.

We also support integration with vDAQ, a DAQ system developed by MBF Bioscience that is compatible with MATLAB, used for precise timing and control of scanning hardware, shutters, and modulators.