RWD's R821: A multichannel fibre optic photometry system for neuroscience research
The R821 system developed by RWD is a high-performance solution for researchers specialising in the study of neural circuits and animal behaviour. It is a multi-channel fibre photometry device designed to capture real-time variations in neural fluorescence under demanding experimental conditions, particularly in freely moving animals. This technology allows neural dynamics to be explored with great precision by combining optical analysis with synchronised behavioural signals.
One of the major advantages of the R821 is its ability to excite three distinct wavelengths — 410 nm, 470 nm and 560 nm — which correspond to the excitation of reference signals, green fluorescence (such as GCaMP, dLight) and red fluorescence (such as RCaMP, jrGECO1a), respectively. Thanks to its two highly sensitive detectors , the system can perform independent and sequential signal detection, significantly reducing interference from cross-excitation and providing more accurate measurements.
The R821 can handle up to nine channels simultaneously, making it an ideal solution for multicentre studies involving multiple animals or multiple brain areas. Integrated low-autofluorescence optical fibres attenuate background noise and increase signal reliability. In addition, the system includes native support for optogenetics, enabling stimulation and recording at the same site using an additional 635 nm input light.
On the software side, the R821 features a professional, intuitive and flexible acquisition and analysis suite. No Matlab programming skills are required, and built-in functions enable data slicing, photobleaching correction, smoothing, motion correction, heat map generation, peak and area under curve statistics calculation, and more. Users can generate peri-event heat maps with a single click, compare multiple data sets, and export their results in various editable analytical or graphical formats.
The system is also designed to integrate easily with complex experimental protocols. It supports multiple acquisition modes: continuous, interval, external trigger, delayed, or time-scheduled. Thanks to its TTL ports (4 inputs, 4 outputs), it can be synchronised with other equipment or control external instruments with a customisable frequency and duration output.
Ergonomic and scalable, the R821 is also compatible with a wide range of optional accessories such as optical cannulas, multi-connection cables and laser power meters.
The RWD R821 is a comprehensive, scalable and accurate platform that meets the needs of neuroscience laboratories seeking to combine behavioural observation and neural activity recording with optimal temporal and spectral resolution.
