Features

• Complete Fiber Optics Setup Including LED, 1 m Patch Cable, Cannulae, and Accessories
• 20 Cannulae Included (5 each of 4 Different Lengths)
• One 1 m Long Patch Cable and 5 Mating Sleeves Included

Thorlabs' optogenetics equipment is available in a complete, ready-to-use kit. Our optogenetics kit includes a 470 nm Fiber-Coupled LED with driver, lightweight patch cable, five cannula connectors, and 20 cannulae. The OGK2 kit features Ø200 µm core fiber optics, while the OGK4 kit includes Ø400 µm core fiber optics.

We also offer custom optogenetics equipment. For more information, contact optogenetics@thorlabs.com.

Kit Components: Click on Each Component for More Information

Kit Components and Specifications

*Tested with the LED driven at maximum current (1 A).

Fiber Specifications

LED Specifications*

Item #	M470F1
Center Wavelength	470 nm
Typical FWHM	15 nm
Typical Output Spectrum (Click to Enlarge)
CW Drive Current (Max)	1 A
LED Forward Voltage	3.6 V
Typical Lifetime	>50,000 Hours

*Please refer to the M470F1 web presentation or manual for complete specifications.

Setup

Click to Enlarge
The ADAF1 Mating Sleeve should be inserted 1/2 to 2/3 of the way onto the patch cable before cannula connection.

LED and Driver
The OGK2 and OGK4 Optogenetics Starter Kits include an M470F1 Fiber-Coupled LED, and a DC2100 LED Driver. The LED can be operated by connecting it to the “LED” jack in the back of the DC2100. The power supply for the DC2100 should be plugged into the unit as well. The DC2100 can then be powered on using the rocker switch on the back of the unit.

After the device is powered up, the display will show a “Welcome” screen for a few seconds. The DC2100 is immediately ready for use after turning on. However, the rated accuracy is reached after a warm-up period of 10 minutes.

Patch Cable and Cannula
Insert the M77L01 (for OGK2) or M77L01 (for OGK4) patch cable’s SMA connector into the LED unit by threading the rotating barrel on the connector onto the LED unit’s housing. Then, place the ADAF1 mating sleeve onto the ferrule end of the patch cable, leaving approximately one third of the mating sleeve length exposed for the cannula connection. Then, connect the mating sleeve to the cannula.

It is very important that the ends of the patch cable’s ferrule and the cannula’s ferrule are in physical contact. If they are not, the output power at the cannula tip will decrease significantly.

Note: To disconnect the patch cable from the cannula, grip the patch cable by the ferrule and mating sleeve, and use a twisting motion. Do not grip the patch cable by the heat shrink tubing.

Click to Enlarge
Properly connected cannula and patch cable, with the cannula and patch cable in physical contact.

Click to Enlarge
Improperly connected cannula and patch cable, showing an air gap and light leakage.

Operation

The LED can be operated using the front panel controls of the DC2100, or remotely via PC. Use the scroll wheel and “OK” and “ESC” buttons to navigate through the DC2100’s menus. The DC2100 can operate in three different modes, ‘Constant Current Mode’, ‘PWM Mode’ (Pulse-Width Modulation), or ‘External Control’. The DC2100 can also be operated remotely via USB. Note: The LED must be switched off when switching between modes. Use the “ESC” button to display the main menu, and then use the scroll wheel and “OK” button to select an operating mode.

Constant Current Mode
While operating in constant current mode, the scroll wheel controls the LED’s power (limited to 1A by the LED unit), and the “LED” button toggles the LED on/off.

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Mode
In Pulse Width Modulation mode, the frequency, amplitude, duty cycle (pulse width), and number of pulses can all be defined. The main Pulsed Mode screen (see figure below) displays each parameter. To edit the paramaters, highlight that line with the scroll when, press “OK”, edit using the scroll wheel, and press “OK” again to save that parameter. Again, the “LED” button toggles the LED on/off.

With the LED switched off, press “ESC” to return to the main menu.

External Control Mode
This mode allows to control the DC2100 by an external signal. The 'External Control Mode' has no parameter settings. The LED can only be controlled via the BNC connector at the rear panel of the DC2100. The applied voltage corresponds to the LED current. 1V is equivalent to a LED current of 200mA. A maximum voltage of 10V can be applied, which results in a current of 2000mA.

Remote Control via a PC
The DC2100 can be controlled remotely by a Windows-based PC. Refer to the DC2100 user’s manual for software installation instructions.

The DC2100 is controlled with the DC2100 software. All controls available on the front panel of the DC2100 are also available using this application. The front panel controls of the DC2100 can also be used when the device is connected to a PC, and the DC2100 display automatically updates.

Further Reading

1. Aravanis A, Wang LP, Zhang F, Meltzer L, Mogri M, Schneider MB, Deisseroth K. An optical neural interface: in vivo control of rodent motor cortex with integrated fiberoptic and optogenetic technology. J. Neural Eng. 2007 Sept; 4:S143-S156.
2. Gradinaru V, Thompson KR, Zhang F, Mogri M, Kay K, Schneider MB, Deisseroth K. Targeting and readout strategies for fast optical neural control in vitro and in vivo. J Neurosci. 2007 Dec 26;27(52):14231-8.
3. Zhang F, Gradinaru V, Adamantidis AR, Durand R, Airan RD, de Lecea L, Deisseroth K. Optogenetic interrogation of neural circuits: technology for probing mammalian brain structures. Nat Protoc. 2010;5(3):439-56. Epub 2010 Feb 18.
4. Yizhar O, Fenno LE, Davidson TJ, Mogri M, Deisseroth K. Optogenetics in Neural Systems. Neuron. 2011 July;72:9-34.
5. http://www.stanford.edu/group/dlab/optogenetics/
6. http://www.openoptogenetics.org/index.php?title=Main_Page