Improving spatial resolution in optogenetics using organic light-emitting diodes and smartphone displays

Optogenetics is a technique to modulate neuronal activity in response to light. Here, we present two different light sources that can provide high spatial resolution for precise optogenetic stimulation of Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) larvae: organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and smartphone displays. Using micro-structured OLED arrays, we stimulated sensory neurons in individual abdominal segments of Drosophila larvae and thus controlled their crawling direction. Furthermore, we developed a smartphone app that allows spectral, spatial, and temporal control over the light emitted by the display and used this to deliver fine patterns of light to constrain larval movement.