R810 – A complete system for neural photometry in a behavioural context
The RWD Life Science R810 system records fluorescence changes related to neural activity within groups of neurons in specific areas of the brain. It is designed for neuroscience research requiring continuous, stable and accurate observation of calcium signals in freely moving animals. This ability to track changes in neural population activity while correlating them with observed behaviour makes it an essential tool for laboratories studying brain circuits.
The R810 uses two separate light sources: a 410 nm LED as a reference to control background signals, and a 470 nm LED to excite calcium indicators such as GCaMP. The combined use of these two wavelengths makes it possible to separate specific fluorescence signals from motion-related artefacts, ensuring reliable and usable acquisition. The system supports up to 9 simultaneous recording channels, allowing multiple brain regions or subjects to be studied in parallel, making it a versatile tool for complex protocols.
On the hardware side, the R810 is equipped with a research-grade CMOS camera with high quantum conversion efficiency and an acquisition rate of up to 300 frames per second. This ensures fast and accurate signal capture, which is essential for studying dynamic brain phenomena. The device has four input ports for external signals and automatic tagging, as well as four output ports for triggering third-party equipment via TTL signals.
The associated software, designed for optimal data exploitation, enables precise synchronisation between fluorescent signals and behavioural videos. It allows the creation of customised areas of interest on the videos, with the possibility of performing differentiated behavioural analyses afterwards. Data can be exported in several analytical formats (deltaF/F, Z-score, peri-event statistics), and the images generated can be saved in editable SVG format. The software platform supports manual or automatic tagging (up to 10 types), with customisable shortcuts, colours and names.
The system also offers various data pre-processing options such as smoothing, baseline adjustment and intergroup comparisons, making statistical processing more robust. The acquisition trigger conditions are fully configurable, allowing fine tuning to the requirements of experimental protocols.
The R810 is a system designed to provide continuity in the collection, analysis and interpretation of neural signals, using a multidimensional, behaviour-oriented approach.
