Kemere, Caleb T2024-08-302024-08-302024-082024-07-24August 202del Rio Pulido, Daniela. Optimizing extra-cranial light source location based on light intensity simulation in hippocampus. (2024). Masters thesis, Rice University. https://hdl.handle.net/1911/117752https://hdl.handle.net/1911/117752The hippocampus (HC) is a deep brain region critical for long-term memory formation. Since the early 2000s, neuroscience has changed from using temporal and spatial non-specific tools to relying on optogenetics because of its selective control over neural activity using light. Recent studies have delivered light to deep brain regions through implanted optical fibers; however, this invasive procedure inevitably causes tissue damage. Neuroscience research could improve by combining temporal and spatial specificity provided by optogenetics and non-invasive light delivery. In this work, I simulate light intensity on the surface of the CA1 layer of HC using a 2-layer simulation of the Lambert-Beer equation. Anatomical brain regions were determined using the open-source Waxholm Space atlas of the Sprague Dawley rat brain. Given a fixed number of light sources, we found the optimal location of the light source(s) on a rat's skull to maximize light intensity on the surface of CA1, the target region. The real-world application of placing light sources in optimal skull locations will enable minimal brain damage while preserving the temporal and spatial specificity provided by optogenetics.application/pdfengCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.light intensity simulationnon-invasive light deliveryLambert-Beer equationhippocampusThesis2024-08-30