CoolLED Heads to Neuroscience 2026 with Advanced LED Illumination for Optogenetics and Imaging
From precise optogenetic stimulation to high-speed fluorescence and calcium imaging, CoolLED is bringing its latest LED illumination technology to the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
CoolLED will be exhibiting at Neuroscience 2026, the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) annual meeting, taking place from 14–18 November at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Visitors can find the team at Booth 2005 during the exhibition from 15–18 November.
Neuroscience research depends increasingly on the ability to observe, stimulate and measure cellular activity with precision. From investigating neural circuits to monitoring calcium signalling, light plays an essential role in many experimental techniques.
CoolLED has spent more than 20 years developing LED illumination systems for scientific microscopy. At SfN 2026, the focus will be on how controllable LED light sources can support optogenetics, electrophysiology, fluorescence microscopy and live-cell imaging.
pE-300opto: LED Illumination Designed for Optogenetics
A central focus for CoolLED at Neuroscience 2026 will be the pE-300opto, developed specifically for neuroscience researchers using optogenetic techniques.
Optogenetics allows scientists to activate or inhibit selected cells using light-sensitive proteins known as opsins. Successful experiments depend on delivering the appropriate wavelength, intensity and timing, particularly when studying neural responses or coordinating optical stimulation with electrophysiological recordings.
The pE-300opto uses three independently controllable LED channels, chosen to support a wide range of established optogenetic tools, including ChR2, NpHR, Jaws and ChrimsonR.
Blue LED
470 nmSupports commonly used blue-light activated opsins, including ChR2, for neuronal excitation studies.
Green-Yellow LED
550 nmProvides illumination for green-yellow responsive opsins, including selected inhibitory optogenetic tools.
Red LED
635 nmSupports red-shifted opsins such as ChrimsonR and Jaws, extending experimental possibilities beyond blue light.
Individual channel intensity adjustment and optional inline excitation filters give researchers additional control over stimulation conditions and spectral separation.
With TTL triggering faster than 10 microseconds, the system can deliver precisely timed light pulses for experimental protocols requiring accurate synchronisation.
Sequence Runner allows researchers to define stimulation sequences using the manual control pod, then run them automatically using a single global TTL trigger. This provides a straightforward way to coordinate multi-channel stimulation without additional sequencing hardware.
Find out more about the CoolLED pE-300opto LED Illumination System and its compatibility with popular optogenetic tools.
One Light Source for In Vivo, Ex Vivo and Fluorescence Experiments
Neuroscience laboratories often use several experimental approaches, from illuminating brain slices under the microscope to stimulating neurons through implanted optical fibres in living subjects.
The pE-300opto has been designed with this flexibility in mind. A liquid light guide output comes as standard for microscope-based experiments, while an optional interchangeable adaptor supports SMA or FC fibre connections for in vivo optical stimulation.
It also supports fluorescence imaging with commonly used labels including GFP, YFP, mCherry and Cy5. This allows laboratories to use the same illumination platform across a range of stimulation and imaging workflows, subject to the optical configuration of their experiment.
Beyond Optogenetics: LED Illumination for Neuroscience Imaging
While optogenetic stimulation will be a major talking point at SfN, CoolLED's wider fluorescence illumination range also supports neuroscience techniques where imaging speed, wavelength selection and consistent illumination are essential.
pE-800: Multi-Channel Fluorescence Imaging
Eight independently controlled LED channels and TTL triggering faster than 7 microseconds support rapid wavelength switching, multi-colour fluorescence imaging and demanding live-cell experiments.
pE-800fura: Calcium Imaging
Developed for fluorescence techniques including ratiometric calcium imaging, with wavelength options for Fura-2 and other commonly used calcium indicators, alongside broader fluorescence applications.
Fast electronic triggering can reduce delays associated with mechanical wavelength switching, while independent LED control allows researchers to adjust illumination to suit their fluorophores and experimental protocols.
Whether the aim is to measure intracellular calcium changes, image fluorescently labelled neurons or combine optical stimulation with fluorescence microscopy, choosing the appropriate illumination system is an important part of experimental design.
Browse the full CoolLED LED Illumination System range to compare available wavelength configurations and control options.
Neuroscience 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
Find out more about CoolLED's illumination technology and what you can discuss with the team at SfN.
Where can I find CoolLED at Neuroscience 2026?
CoolLED will be at Booth 2005 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Neuroscience 2026 runs from 14–18 November, with the exhibition open from 15–18 November.
Which opsins are supported by the pE-300opto?
The pE-300opto features 470, 550 and 635 nm LED channels to support a range of popular opsins, including ChR2, NpHR, Jaws and ChrimsonR. Compatibility and stimulation efficiency depend on the opsin's action spectrum, irradiance and experimental configuration.
Can the pE-300opto be used for both in vivo and ex vivo optogenetics?
Yes. The pE-300opto includes liquid light guide delivery for microscope-based experiments. An optional interchangeable fibre adaptor supports SMA or FC connections for in vivo stimulation.
Which CoolLED light sources support calcium imaging?
CoolLED offers several multi-channel fluorescence illumination systems. The pE-800fura is particularly suitable for ratiometric calcium imaging, including Fura-2 experiments, while the pE-800 supports high-speed multi-colour fluorescence techniques.
Meet CoolLED at Neuroscience 2026
Working with optogenetics, calcium imaging, electrophysiology or fluorescence microscopy? Come and speak to our team about the illumination requirements of your research.
Visit Booth 2005 at the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in Washington, D.C., 15–18 November 2026.
In the meantime, discover how the pE-300opto combines wavelength flexibility, high-speed triggering and practical light delivery for neuroscience experiments.
Discover the pE-300opto →
