Fiber-Coupled LEDs for Optogenetics


  • Nominal Wavelengths from 385 nm to 625 nm for Opsin Excitation
  • Compatible with Optogenetics Patch Cables and Cannulae
  • External Modulation Using Thorlabs' LED Drivers

M530F2

530 nm LED

M405F1

405 nm LED

LEDD1B

Compact LED Driver

LEDs Can Deliver High-Power Light to Specimens for Exciting Neurons Using Implantable Cannulae

Related Items


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LED Item # Wavelengtha Typical Opsin Output Powerb Color
M385F1c 385 nm EBFP, moxBFP 10.7 mW UV
M405F1c 405 nm mmilCFP, hcriGFP 3.7 mW UV
M430F1c 430 nm ChR2 7.5 mW Violet
M455F3 455 nm ChIEF, bPAC 24.5 mW Royal Blue
M505F3 505 nm ChRGR, Opto-α1AR, Opto-β2AR 11.7 mW Cyan
M530F2 530 nm C1V1, VChR1 9.6 mW Green
M565F3 565 nm Arch, VChR1-SFO 13.5 mW Lime
M595F2 595 nm ChR2-SFO, eNpHR3.0 11.5 mW Amber
M625F2 625 nm ReChR 17.5 mW Red
  • Click the link for a spectrum and raw data.
  • Typical output power measured with a Ø400 µm Core, 0.39 NA multimode fiber.
  • Precautions must be taken to prevent looking directly at the UV light and UV light protective glasses must be worn to avoid eye damage. Exposure of the skin and other body parts to UV light should be avoided.

Click to Enlarge
DC4100 Driver, four fiber-coupled LEDs, optogenetics patch cables, and fiber optic cannulae.

Features

  • High-Power LEDs with Fiber-Coupled Outputs for Optogenetics Applications
  • Wavelengths from 385 nm to 625 nm Target Common Opsins (See Table to the Right for Options)
  • Compatible with Fiber Optic Cannulae and Optogenetics Patch Cables via SMA Interface
  • External or Internal Modulation Using Thorlabs' LED Drivers
  • Versions with FC/PC Bulkheads Available Upon Request; Contact Tech Support for Details

This page offers a selection of Thorlabs' fiber-coupled LEDs and drivers that are well suited for integration into optogenetics experimental setups (see photo to the right). During in vivo procedures, light from one or two LED sources are coupled into a fiber optic cannula, which is implanted in a specimen, where it is used to excite opsin proteins sensitive to the emitted light. LEDs are commonly used for these stimulation experiments as they provide high-power output over a broad range of wavelengths and exhibit superior illumination homogeneity than lasers.

The LEDs sold here feature nominal wavelengths ranging from 385 nm to 625 nm that correspond to opsins commonly used for neuron stimulation or silencing (see the Specs tab or table to the right for more information). Each fiber-coupled LED consists of a single LED that is coupled to the inserted optical fiber via butt-coupling. The coupling efficiency is primarily dependent on the core diameter and the numerical aperture (NA) of the connected fiber. Larger core diameters and higher NA values give rise to reduced losses and increased output power at the end of the fiber. The spectrum of each LED and associated data file can be viewed by clicking on the links in the table to the right or in the Specs tab. Multiple windows can be opened simultaneously in order to compare LEDs.

We also offer fiber-coupled LEDs with other nominal wavelengths in addition to LEDs with a broadband white light spectrum.

Output Modulation
Neuron stimulation requires precise temporal control of the output light, typically on the order of millisecond pulses. For in vivo applications, electronic modulation of a fiber-coupled LED may be preferred over using a mechanical shutter or other modulation technique. Our fiber-coupled LEDs can be modulated in several ways when used with our LED drivers. Externally-controlled methods such as TTL use an external voltage signal to turn a light source on and off at fast switching rates (up to MHz). The DC4100 and DC4104 drivers can modulate the LED at a rate up to 100 kHz while the DC2200 can provide external modulation at up to 250 kHz. Additionally, the DC2200 driver also supports internal modulation at frequencies up to 100 kHz.The LEDD1B is capable of providing LED modulation frequencies up to 5 kHz. 

Driver Options
Each LED is equipped with an integrated EEPROM (read-only memory) chip storing information about the LED (e.g., current limit, wavelength, and forward voltage) that can be read by Thorlabs' DC2200, DC4100, and DC4104 Drivers (the latter two require the DC4100-HUB). These drivers can automatically adjust the maximum current setting based on the information stored in the EEPROM chip to protect the connected LED. When using the LEDD1B T-Cube™ Driver, the current limit is set manually via an adjuster on the front of the driver.

Optogenetics Product Family for In Vivo Applications

Thorlabs offers a wide variety of products designed to support in vivo optogenetics applications. Please visit the OG Selection Guide tab above to see a full listing of available products for different applications.

Optogenetics System Schematic

Item # Color
(Click for
Spectrum
and Data)a
Nominal
Wavelengtha,b
Typical Ø200 µm
Core Fiber
Output Powerc
Minimum Ø400 µm
Core Fiber
Output Powerd
Typical Ø400 µm
Core Fiber
Output Powerd
Maximum
Current
(CW)
Forward
Voltage
Bandwidth
(FWHM)
Typical
Lifetime
M385F1e UV 385 nm 2.68 mW 9.0 mW 10.7 mW 700 mA 4.3 V 10 nm >10 000 h
M405F1e UV 405 nm 0.93 mW 3.0 mW 3.7 mW 500 mA 3.6 V 12 nm >10 000 h
M430F1e Violet 430 nm 2.9 mWf 5.3 mWf 7.5 mWf 500 mAf 3.66 Vf 17 nmf >10 000 hf
M455F3 Royal Blue 455 nm 5.4 mW 17 mW 24.5 mW 1000 mA 3.5 V 14 nm >10 000 h
M505F1 Cyan 505 nm 2.0 mW 7.0 mW 8.0 mW 1000 mA 3.3 V 30 nm >50 000 h
M530F2 Green 530 nm 3.2 mW 6.8 mW 9.6 mW 1000 mA 3.1 V 30 nm >50 000 h
M565F3g Lime 565 nm 4.4 mW 9.9 mW 13.5 mW 700 mA 2.85 V 105 nm >10 000 h
M595F2g Amber 595 nm 4.0 mW 8.7 mW 11.5 mW 1000 mA 3.1 V 80 nm >50 000 h
M625F2 Red 625 nm 5.7 mW 13.2 mW 17.5 mW 1000 mA 2.2 V 15 nm >50 000 h
  • Due to variations in the manufacturing process and operating parameters such as temperature and current, the actual spectral output of any given LED will vary. Output plots and nominal wavelength specs are only intended to be used as a guideline.
  • For LEDs with a visible spectrum, the nominal wavelength indicates the wavelength at which the LED appears brightest to the human eye. The nominal wavelength for visible LEDs may not correspond to the peak wavelength as measured by a spectrometer.
  • All LEDs were tested using MM Fiber with Ø200 µm core, 0.22 NA (Item # FG200UCC).
  • All LEDs were tested using MM Fiber with Ø400 µm core, 0.39 NA (Item # FT400EMT).
  • Our 285 to 430 nm LEDs radiate intense UV light during operation. Precautions must be taken to prevent looking directly at the UV light and UV light protective glasses must be worn to avoid eye damage. Exposure of the skin and other body parts to the UV light should be avoided.
  • Measured at 25 °C
  • These LEDs are phosphor-converted and may not turn off completely when modulated above 10 kHz at duty cycles below 50%.

Posted Comments:
ADILA Rani  (posted 2023-04-07 12:12:51.697)
Hello Good Morning I am Dr. Adila from Korea university, south Korea. I need to get specification for UV 385 nm, Royal blue 455 nm, green 530 nm, red 625nm and Compact LED Driver (Full set) for phototransistors and optical synapse devices. Best Regards Adila Ph.D, Research Professor School of Electrical Engineering, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seoul, Republic of Korea (zip code: 02841) Advanced Semiconductor Laboratory (ASL) Homepage: http://asl.korea.ac.kr Mobile : +82-2-10-8483-0786
hchow  (posted 2023-04-11 10:17:01.0)
Dear Ms. Rani, thank you for your feedback. I will personally reach out to you to provide the requested information. Thank you.

Optogenetics Selection Guide

Thorlabs offers a wide range of optogenetics components; the compatibility of these products in select standard configurations is discussed in detail here. Please contact Technical Support for assistance with items outside the scope of this guide, including custom fiber components for optogenetics.

 

Single-Site Stimulation

One Light Source to One Cannula Implant

The most straightforward method for in vivo light stimulation of a specimen is to use a single fiber optic with a single LED light source. The single wavelength LED is powered by an LED driver, and then the illumination output is fiber-coupled into a patch cable, which connects to the implanted cannula. See the graphics and expandable compatibility tables below for the necessary patch cables and cannulae to create this setup. To choose the appropriate LED and driver, see below or the full web presentation.

Click on Each Component for More Information

LED DriverLED DriverFiber-Coupled LEDFiber-Coupled LEDSMA to Ferrule Patch Cable with Optional Rotary JointSMA to Ferrule Patch Cable with Optional Rotary JointADAF2 InterconnectADAF2 InterconnectFiber Optic CannulaFiber Optic Cannula



 

Multilateral Stimulation

The ability to accurately and simultaneously direct light to multiple locations within a specimen is desired for many types of optogenetics experiments. For example, bilateral stimulation techniques typically target neurons in two spatially separated regions in order to induce a desired behavior. In more complex experiments involving the simultaneous inhibition and stimulation of neurons, delivering light of two different monochromatic wavelengths within close proximity enables the user to perform these experiments without implanting multiple cannulae, which can increase stress on the specimen.

Multilateral stimulation can be achieved with several different configurations depending on the application requirements. The sections below illustrate examples of different configurations using Thorlabs' optogenetics products.


Option 1: One Light Source to Two Cannula Implants Using Rotary Joint Splitter

Thorlabs' RJ2 1x2 Rotary Joint Splitter is designed for optogenetics applications and is used to split light from a single input evenly between two outputs. The rotary joint interface allows connected patch cables to freely rotate, reducing the risk of fiber damage caused by a moving specimen. See the graphic and compatibility table below for the necessary cables and cannulae to create this setup. For LEDs and drivers, see below or the full web presentation.

LED DriverFiber-Coupled LEDHybrid Patch Cable1x2 Rotary Joint SplitterOG Patch CableOG Patch CableADAF2 InterconnectADAF2 InterconnectFiber Optic CannulaFiber Optic CannulaFiber Optic Cannula

Option 2: One or Two Light Sources to Two Cannula Implants

If the intent is for one LED source to connect to two cannulae for simultaneous light modulation, then a bifurcated fiber bundle can be used to split the light from the LED into each respective cannula. For dual wavelength stimulation (mixing two wavelengths in a single cannula) or a more controlled split ratio between cannula, one can use a multimode coupler to connect one or two LEDs to the cannulae. If one cable end is left unused, the spare coupler cable end may be terminated by a light trap. See the graphic and compatibility table below for the necessary cables and cannulae to create this setup. For LEDs and drivers, see below or the full web presentation.

Click on Each Component Below for More Information

LED DriverLED DriverFiber-Coupled LEDFiber-Coupled LEDPatch CabletextY-CableMating SleeveMating SleeveMating SleeveMating SleeveFiber Optic CannulaFiber Optic CannulaFiber Optic CannulaFiber Optic Cannula

LED Driver2nd LED DriverLED Driver textFiber-Coupled LED2nd Fiber-Coupled LEDFiber-Coupled LED textMultimode CouplerMultimode Coupler TextADAF2 InterconnectADAF2 Interconnect TextADAF2 InterconnectADAF2 Interconnect TextFiber Optic CannulaFiber Optic CannulaFiber Optic CannulaFiber Optic Cannula


Option 3: One Light Sources to Seven Cannula Implants

If the intent is for one LED source to connect to seven cannulae for simultaneous light modulation, then a 1-to-7 fiber bundle can be used to split the light from the LED into each respective cannula. See the graphic and compatibility table below for the necessary cables and cannulae to create this setup. For LEDs and drivers, see below or the full web presentation.

Click on Each Component Below for More Information

 LED Driver


 

Two Light Sources into One Dual-Core Cannula Implant

For bilateral stimulation applications where the two cannulas need to be placed in close proximity (within ~1 mm), Thorlabs offers dual-core patch cables and cannulae that are designed for this specific application. Each core is driven by a separate light source, enabling users to stimulate and/or supress nerve cells in the same region of the specimen. See the graphic and compatibility table below for the necessary cables and cannulae to create this setup. For LEDs and drivers, see below or the full web presentation.

LED Driver2nd LED DriverLED Driver TextFiber-Coupled LED2nd Fiber-Coupled LEDFiber-Coupled LEDsDual-Core Patch CableDual-Core Patch CableADAF2 InterconnectADAF2 InterconnectFiber Optic CannulaFiber Optic Cannula

Click on Each Component for More Information

Part Selection Table (Click Links for Item Description Popup)
Common Fiber Properties
Core Diameter 200 µm
Wavelength Range 400 - 2200 nm
NA 0.39
Fiber Type FT200EMT
Ferrule Stylea FC (Ø2.5 mm)
Dual-Core Patch Cable FC/PC Input BFY32FL1
SMA905 Input BFY32SL1
Compatible Mating Sleeve/Interconnect ADAF1
ADAF2
ADAF4-5
Dual-Core Fiber Optic Cannulaec Stainless Steel CFM32L10
CFM32L20
  • FC components have a Ø2.5 mm ferrule end.
  • Patch cables for dual light source to single implant applications are highlighted in green above. Choose a patch cable with an input that matches your light source.
  • Available cannulae are highlighted in orange of the table above. Cannule within the same column are interchangeable.

 

LED Item # Wavelengtha Typical Opsin Output Powerb Color
M385F1c 385 nm EBFP, moxBFP 10.7 mW UV
M405F1c 405 nm mmilCFP, hcriGFP 3.7 mW UV
M430F1 430 nm ChR2 7.5 mW Violet
M455F3 455 nm ChIEF, bPAC 24.5 mW Royal Blue
M505F3 505 nm ChRGR, Opto-α1AR, Opto-β2AR 11.7 mW Cyan
M530F2 530 nm C1V1, VChR1 9.6 mW Green
M565F3 565 nm Arch, VChR1-SFO 13.5 mW Lime
M595F2 595 nm ChR2-SFO, eNpHR3.0 11.5 mW Amber
M625F2 625 nm ReChR 17.5 mW Red
  • Click the link for a spectrum and raw data.
  • Typical output power measured with a Ø400 µm Core, 0.39 NA multimode fiber.
  • Precautions must be taken to prevent looking directly at the UV light and UV light protective glasses must be worn to avoid eye damage. Exposure of the skin and other body parts to UV light should be avoided.

Illumination

Fiber-Coupled LEDs and Drivers

Our fiber-coupled LEDs are ideal light sources for optogenetics applications. They feature a variety of wavelength choices and a convenient interconnection to optogenetics patch cables. Thorlabs offers fiber-coupled LEDs with nominal wavelengths ranging from 280 nm to 1050 nm. See the table to the right for the LEDs with the most popular wavelengths for optogenetics. A table of compatible LED drivers can be viewed by clicking below.

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Fiber Coupled LEDs

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
M385F1 Support Documentation
M385F1385 nm, 9.0 mW (Min) Fiber-Coupled LED, 700 mA, SMA
$630.80
7-10 Days
M430F1 Support Documentation
M430F1430 nm, 5.3 mW (Min) Fiber-Coupled LED, 500 mA, SMA
$257.17
Today
M455F3 Support Documentation
M455F3455 nm, 17 mW (Min) Fiber-Coupled LED, 1000 mA, SMA
$469.25
Today
M505F3 Support Documentation
M505F3505 nm, 8.5 mW (Min) Fiber-Coupled LED, 1000 mA, SMA
$436.74
7-10 Days
M565F3 Support Documentation
M565F3565 nm, 9.9 mW (Min) Fiber-Coupled LED, 700 mA, SMA
$510.10
Today
M595F2 Support Documentation
M595F2595 nm, 8.7 mW (Min) Fiber-Coupled LED, 1000 mA, SMA
$449.03
Today
M625F2 Support Documentation
M625F2625 nm, 13.2 mW (Min) Fiber-Coupled LED, 1000 mA, SMA
$449.03
Today
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LED Drivers

All of the drivers sold here can be used to drive the fiber-coupled LEDs sold above. The LEDD1B and DC2200 can drive up to one LED at a time, whereas the DC4100 and DC4104 can control up to four LEDs simultaneously by using the DC4100-HUB.

Each controller is capable of modulating the driven LED using an external trigger. For the DC4100 controller, all LEDs are controlled by the same modulation signal but can be individually deactivated. For the DC4104 controller, each LED is controlled by a separate modulation signal, all of which are provided through a single, included cable. The DC2200 also provides internal modulation for frequencies up to 100 kHz.

Click on the item number link below to view the complete presentation for each controller.

Compatible Driversa LEDD1Bb DC2200c DC4100c,d,e DC4104c,d,e
Click Photos to Enlarge LEDD1B Driver DC2200 Driver DC4100 Driver DC4104 Driver
Main Driver Features Very Compact Footprint
60 mm x 73 mm x 104 mm
(W x H x D)
Touchscreen Interface with Internal and External Options for Pulsed and Modulated LED Operation 4 Channelsd 4 Channelsd
LED Driver Current Output (Max) 1.2 A LED1 Terminal: 10.0 A
LED2 Terminal: 2.0 Af
1.0 A per Channel 1.0 A per Channel
LED Driver Forward Voltage (Max) 12 V 50 V 5 V 5 V
Modulation Frequency (Max) 5 kHz (External) 20 to 100 kHz (Internal)h
DC to 250 kHz (External)g,h
100 kHz (External)h
Simultaneous Across all Channels
100 kHz (External)h
Independently Controlled Channels
External Control Interface(s) Analog (BNC) USB 2.0 and Analog (BNC) USB 2.0 and Analog (BNC) USB 2.0 and Analog (8-Pin)
EEPROM Compatible: Reads Out LED Data for LED Settings - Yes Yes Yes
LCD Display - Yes Yes Yes
  • Click on the item number link to view the complete presentation for each controller.
  • The preferred power supply (single channel or hub-based) depends on the end user's application and whether you already own compatible power supplies. To that end and in keeping with Thorlabs' green initiative, we do not ship the LEDD1B bundled with a power supply. This avoids the cost and inconvenience of receiving an unwanted single-channel supply if a hub-based system (Item # KCH301 or KCH601) would be more appropriate. For convenience, the KPS201 single-channel power supply is available below. If a hub-based solution is required please see the main presentation.
  • Automatically limits to LED's max current via EEPROM readout.
  • The DC4100 and DC4104 can power and control up to four LEDs simultaneously when used with the DC4100-HUB. The fiber-coupled LEDs on this page all require the DC4100-HUB when used with the DC4100 or DC4104.
  • These LED drivers have a maximum forward voltage rating of 5 V and can provide a maximum current of 1000 mA. As a result, they cannot be used to drive LEDs which have forward voltage ratings greater than 5 V. LEDs with maximum current ratings higher than 1.0 A can be driven using this driver, but will not reach full power.
  • The fiber-coupled LEDs sold above are compatible with the LED2 Terminal.
  • Small Signal Bandwidth: Modulation not exceeding 20% of full scale current. The driver accepts other waveforms, but the maximum frequency will be reduced.
  • The M565F3 and M595F2 LEDs produce light by stimulating emission from phosphor, which limits their modulation frequency range. They may not turn off completely when modulated above 10 kHz at duty cycles below 50%.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
LEDD1B Support Documentation
LEDD1BT-Cube LED Driver, 1200 mA Max Drive Current (Power Supply Not Included)
$355.18
Today
KPS201 Support Documentation
KPS20115 V, 2.66 A Power Supply Unit with 3.5 mm Jack Connector for One K- or T-Cube
$40.33
Today
DC2200 Support Documentation
DC2200High-Power 1-Channel LED Driver with Pulse Modulation, 10.0 A Max, 50.0 V Max
$2,423.37
Today
DC4100 Support Documentation
DC41004-Channel LED Driver, 1 Modulation Input, 1 A, 5 V
$3,134.93
Today
DC4104 Support Documentation
DC4104Customer Inspired! 4-Channel LED Driver, 4 Modulation Inputs, 1 A, 5 V
$3,449.72
Today
DC4100-HUB Support Documentation
DC4100-HUBSingle LED Connector Hub for DC4100
$375.39
Today