SUPERNOVA Series by Transcend – Miniature Two-Photon Imaging Systems for Freely Moving Animals
A New Era of In Vivo Brain Imaging
Transcend’s SUPERNOVA series redefines what’s possible in miniature two-photon microscopy. Designed for neuroscientists seeking to explore the brain in its natural behavioral context, these lightweight, high-performance imaging systems deliver benchtop-level resolution—without sacrificing freedom of movement.
Whether you’re aiming to monitor individual synapses, perform dual-color functional imaging, or reconstruct deep brain structures in 3D, the SUPERNOVA platform offers the precision, flexibility, and stability needed for cutting-edge in vivo neuroscience.
From compact single-channel solutions to high-speed dual-laser configurations, each model in the SUPERNOVA series is built to empower discovery—one neuron at a time.
Accessories & Components for Advanced In Vivo Imaging
To support the full potential of miniature two-photon imaging, Transcend offers a range of precision-engineered accessories and components designed for seamless integration into your experimental workflows. From behavioral synchronization modules to cranial window panels, each element is crafted to ensure stability, flexibility, and optimal performance in complex in vivo neuroscience research. These tools complement the SUPERNOVA series and help researchers achieve consistent, high-quality imaging results in freely behaving animals.
TVS-ACCY-TC Series – Cable-Compatible Social Behavior Box
The TVS-ACCY-TC series is a redesigned social behavior box developed for mouse behavioral studies, including autism-related interaction testing. Its open structure allows for seamless integration of cables, making it highly suitable for experiments involving miniaturized two-photon or single-photon imaging, fiber optic recording, and electrode-based measurements. The box is engineered to reduce interference from cables during free movement, ensuring natural behavioral outcomes. A replaceable bottom plate accommodates mice with different fur colors, and the system can be customized in size and function according to specific research needs. When used with the TVS-ACCY-PS pulley system and the high-transparency elastic tether (TVS-ACCY-TLX), it delivers optimal performance for complex behavioral experiments.
TVS-ACCY-MFH Series – Mouse Fixed Head Parts
The TVS-ACCY-MFH series offers precision-engineered mouse head fixation components made from titanium alloy, combining excellent mechanical strength with biocompatibility. Available in triangular and linear designs, these lightweight headpieces are used to securely stabilize the mouse head during experiments by attaching them with dental cement and connecting them to a fixation frame. This setup ensures minimal head movement, providing the stability needed for procedures such as miniature two-photon imaging. With a weight of just 0.37 g, the headpieces place minimal burden on the animal while offering high fatigue resistance. Custom dimensions are available to accommodate various experimental animals and research setups.
TVS-JX-MA Series – Miniaturized Two-Photon Wide Field Adapter
The TVS-JX-MA series is a specialized adapter designed to streamline the pre-alignment process in miniaturized two-photon imaging. Compatible with most wide-field fluorescence microscopes, desktop two-photon systems, and confocal setups, it allows researchers to rapidly locate the optimal imaging region using a large field of view and long working distance objectives. Once the target area is identified, users can switch seamlessly to a miniature two-photon microscope for detailed imaging. The built-in XY precision adjustment ensures perfect alignment between the wide-field view and the miniaturized two-photon field. Featuring a 3 mm field of view and a 70 mm working distance, the adapter speeds up sample positioning while minimizing handling. An integrated anti-collision mechanism protects both the sample and the objective by automatically retracting upon contact, making this adapter an essential accessory for efficient and accurate two-photon imaging workflows.
TVS-MOBJ Series – Micro Objective Lenses
The TVS-MOBJ series micro objectives are compact, lightweight, and high-performance optical components designed for advanced imaging systems. With a diameter of only 3.5 mm and a weight of just 0.46 g, these miniature lenses offer exceptional resolution across a wide spectral range. Featuring a numerical aperture of up to 0.7, 3× magnification, a 1 mm working distance, and cover glass compensation, they are optimized for imaging in water or hydrogel. The objectives are well suited for use with scanning mechanisms such as MEMS or Galvo mirrors, enabling high-resolution scanning in miniature two-photon, confocal, Raman, and wide-field fluorescence microscopy. Custom configurations are also available to meet specific experimental needs.
TVS-BSM Series – Behavioral Synchronization Module
The TVS-BSM series is a behavioral synchronization module designed to align two-photon fluorescence imaging signals with behavioral cameras or external stimulus devices. Powered by a 32-bit ARM core MCU, the system includes multiple TTL trigger inputs, allowing real-time detection and time-stamped logging of signal events. Synchronization data is transferred via USB to a computer, enabling seamless integration with high-dimensional two-photon imaging software or standalone behavioral analysis tools. With millisecond-level precision and support for up to eight simultaneous input channels, the module ensures accurate correlation between neural activity and behavior in freely moving animals. Its compact design requires no additional power supply and can be customized to meet various experimental requirements.
TVS-ACCY-BGL Series – Biosurgery Window Panel
The TVS-ACCY-BGL Series window panels are designed for cranial window surgeries in mice and other small animals prior to in vivo two-photon imaging. These ultra-thin, high-transmittance glass panels—just 0.1 mm thick—serve to protect the exposed cerebral cortex while maintaining excellent optical clarity. By minimizing thickness, they help maximize the working distance of the microscope without compromising image quality. Ideal for use in two-photon, miniaturized two-photon, and confocal microscopy, these window panels can also be customized in size and thickness to meet specific experimental needs.
For other parts and components, please visit Transcend’s official website.