What is the R821/FR-21 Tricolor Multichannel Fiber Photometry System?

The RWD R821/FR-21 is an advanced in vivo optical recording platform that monitors real-time neuronal activity in freely behaving animals. By detecting changes in fluorescence from genetically encoded indicators (GECIs), it translates calcium dynamics directly into neural activity signals. Three independent excitation wavelengths — 410 nm (isosbestic reference), 470 nm (green: GCaMP, dLight), and 560 nm (red: RCaMP, jrGECO1a) — enable simultaneous dual-color recording with continuous artifact correction, across up to 9 independent channels.

The system is fully integrated with professional acquisition and analysis software requiring no Matlab or programming skills, and includes a built-in optogenetics interface for closed-loop stimulation-and-recording experiments at the same brain site.

Key Features

• Tricolor Excitation (410/470/560 nm): Simultaneously records green indicators (GCaMP, dLight) and red indicators (RCaMP, jrGECO1a), with 410 nm isosbestic reference continuously correcting for motion and bleaching artifacts.
• Up to 9 Simultaneous Channels: Record from 9 independent fiber implants in a single session — for multi-animal experiments or multi-region circuit mapping in the same animal.
• Picowatt-Level Signal Sensitivity: Dual highly sensitive detectors with independent and sequential detection enable measurement of weak axonal and glial signals with minimal cross-channel interference.
• No Programming Required: Integrated software handles ΔF/F normalization, Z-score, peri-event heatmaps, bleaching correction, movement correction, trajectory overlays, peak statistics, and AUC — all via graphical interface.
• Five Acquisition Modes: Continuous, interval, trigger-based, delayed, and timed acquisition, with live ΔF/F display during recording.
• Built-In Optogenetic Interface: Compatible with RWD IOS-465/589/635 for closed-loop or synchronized same-site stimulation and recording.
• 500+ Hours Stable Acquisition: Long-duration recording stability for sleep, circadian, and multi-day behavioral studies.
• 4×4 Digital I/O: Four digital inputs and outputs (0–500 Hz) for synchronized electrophysiology, behavioral cameras, and TTL-based experimental control.