ABSTRACT
This chapter describes complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors specifically designed for a head-mountable imaging system for rodents. There are three main readout schemes employed in CMOS image sensors: pixel serial, column parallel, and pixel parallel. The chapter presents a small self-contained imaging system with high sensitivity, speed and large field of view. Voltage-sensitive dye imaging systems used for fixed-animal experiments cannot readily be adapted for use on freely moving animals due to the strict requirements of weight and power. The study of neuronal activity in awake and freely moving animals represents a chance to examine neuronal function during natural behavior without the stress and suppression of activity inherent in the use of anesthetics and physical restraints. There is a need for an autonomous system that allows optical recording of rapid electrical events over a large cortical area in freely moving animals.
