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Stainless Steel and Ceramic Fiber Optic Ferrules![]()
CF270-10 Ceramic Ferrule CFLC126-10 Ceramic Ferrule Application Idea Patch Cable with CF270-10 Ferrule SF440-10 Stainless Steel Ferrule SFLC230-10 Stainless Steel Ferrule CFX128-10 Ceramic Ferrule Related Items ![]() Please Wait
![]() Click to Enlarge FT200EMT Multimode Fiber Terminated with CF230-10 Ceramic Ferrule (Sold Assembled as our M81L01 Optogenetics Patch Cable) ![]() Click to Enlarge The cross section is different between the stainless steel and ceramic ferrules. Each ferrule is defined by bore size, length, and outer diameter. Features
Thorlabs offers Ø1.25 mm and Ø2.5 mm stainless steel or ceramic (zirconia) fiber optic ferrules for constructing pigtailed fiber optic patch cables and assemblies. Ø1.25 mm LC-sized ferrules are compatible with many LC/PC fiber components, as well as our ADAL1 mating sleeve or ADAL3 interconnect. The standard Ø2.5 mm FC ferrule size is compatible with many FC/PC, SC/PC, and ST®/PC fiber components, as well as our ADAF1 mating sleeve or ADAF2 interconnect. For optogenetics applications, stainless steel ferrules can be scored to increase the available surface area for the bonding agent, while ceramic ferrules are nonmagnetic, making them ideal for applications sensitive to magnetic fields. Ferrules are sold in packs of 10 and are available with several different bore diameters for either single mode or multimode fibers, as indicated in the tables below. Please note that all of our ferrules have a PC-polished end face, and are not suitable for APC polishes. Thorlabs also stocks multimode patch cables with polished ferrule ends as well as compatible implantable fiber optic cannulae for optogenetics applications (see the OG Selection Guide tab for available products).
Optogenetics Selection GuideThorlabs 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 StimulationOne Light Source to One Cannula ImplantThe 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 ![]() Click to See Ø1.25 mm (LC) Ferrule Compatible Patch Cables, Cannulae, and InterconnectsClick to See Ø2.5 mm (FC) Ferrule Compatible Patch Cables, Cannulae, and Interconnects
Bilateral StimulationThe 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. Bilateral 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 SplitterThorlabs' 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. ![]() Click to See Ø1.25 mm (LC) Ferrule Components Recommended for Use with RJ2 Rotary Joint SplitterClick to See Ø2.5 mm (FC) Ferrule Components Recommended for Use with RJ2 Rotary Joint SplitterOption 2: One or Two Light Sources to Two Cannula ImplantsIf 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 ![]() ![]()
Two Light Sources into One Dual-Core Cannula ImplantFor 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. ![]() Click on Each Component for More Information
Illumination![]() Click to Enlarge M470F3 Fiber-Coupled LEDs and DriversOur 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. ![]()
These Ø1.25 mm stainless steel ferrules feature bore sizes from Ø127 µm to Ø440 µm. They are compatible with many of our multimode fibers. Stainless steel ferrules can be scored to increase the available surface area for the bonding agent in optogenetics applications. Please see the table to the right for a complete list of fibers compatible with these ferrules. These ferrules are compatible with many LC fiber components and the ADAL1 LC mating sleeve and ADAL3 interconnect. ![]()
These Ø1.25 mm ceramic (zirconia) ferrules feature bore sizes from Ø126 µm to Ø440 µm. Ferrules with a Ø126 µm bore are compatible with our single mode fibers, while ferrules with a Ø128 µm to Ø440 µm bore are compatible with many of our multimode fibers. Please see the table to the right for a complete list of compatible fibers. These ferrules are compatible with many LC fiber components and the ADAL1 LC mating sleeve and ADAL3 interconnect. ![]()
These Ø1.25 mm ceramic (zirconia) ferrules have similar compatibility to the CFLC ferrules sold above but are nearly twice as long. In optogenetics applications, this aids in handling and provides additional clearance when implanted alongside other neural recording devices. These ferrules feature bore sizes from Ø126 µm to Ø440 µm and are compatible with many of our single mode and multimode fibers. Please see the table to the right for a complete list of compatible fibers. These ferrules are compatible with many LC fiber components and the ADAL1 LC mating sleeve and ADAL3 interconnect. ![]()
These Ø2.5 mm stainless steel ferrules feature bore sizes from Ø230 µm to Ø440 µm that are compatible with many of our multimode fibers. Stainless steel ferrules can be scored to increase the available surface area for the bonding agent in optogenetics applications. Please see the table to the right for a complete list of fibers compatible with these ferrules. These ferrules are compatible with many FC/PC, SC, and ST fiber components as well as the ADAF1 mating sleeve and ADAF2 interconnect. ![]()
These Ø2.5 mm ceramic (zirconia) ferrules feature bore sizes from Ø126 µm to Ø440 µm. Ferrules with a Ø126 µm bore are compatible with our single mode fibers, while ferrules with Ø128 µm to Ø440 µm bores are compatible with many of our multimode fibers. Please see the table to the right for a complete list of compatible fibers. These ferrules are compatible with many FC/PC, SC, and ST fiber components as well as the ADAF1 mating sleeve and ADAF2 interconnect. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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