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Optogenetics Equipment and Custom Solutions![]()
CFM12L10 CFMLC12L05 Fiber Optic M470F1 LED Light Source FJPFF2 Rotary Joint Patch Cable ADAF2 Quick-Release XCF Cannula Holder for Ø2.5 mm Ferrules ![]() Please Wait Thorlabs Optogenetics Equipment
Thorlabs offers a full line of optogenetics equipment for in vivo stimulation, including implantable fiber optic cannulae, fiber optic patch cables and rotary joints, and LED and laser light sources. We are also well equipped to provide custom optogenetics packages including fiber-coupled light sources and custom-made cannulae. Please contact Tech Support for individual assistance regarding optogenetics equipment selection. Interactive Optogenetics System SchematicClick on the components or labels for more details about our optogenetics line of products. Contact Tech Support for more information about our expanding line of optogenetics products. ![]() Click to Enlarge Ferrule Patch Cables are ideal for connection to our Implantable Fiber Optic Cannulae. ![]() Click to Enlarge Thorlabs' Dual-Core Fiber Optic Patch Cable and Dual-Core Implantable Cannula enable light at different wavelengths to be inserted in close proximity. Fiber Optic Cannulae
Thorlabs offers stock and custom fiber optic cannulae, which can be surgically mounted to the skull of the specimen using stereotactic guidance. Custom cannulae are available with a stainless steel or ceramic ferrules as well as an array of different fiber types, lengths, and end terminations. See the Custom Cannula tab above for details.
Two Methods of Use![]() Click to Enlarge The cannula holder can be attached directly to an adapter arm by using the left-handed 8-32 tap at the end of the cannula holder. ![]() Click to Enlarge Alternatively, the XC-CLAMP can be used to allow for coarse height adjustment between the cannula holder and the XC7 adapter arm. Stereotaxic Cannula Holders and Adapter Arms
Thorlabs' Cannula Holders and Adapters are designed to securely hold a fiber optic cannula during implantation using a stereotaxic apparatus. For easy sterilization and repeated use, these holders and adapters are manufactured using stainless steel. The cannula holders feature an easy-to-use chuck that minimizes the stress on the specimen during implantation and when releasing the cannulae. For compatibility with most standard stereotaxic equipment, the cannula holders contain 8-32 threads that can accept our Ø5 mm and Ø7.9 mm adapter arms. Additionally, the cannula holders and adapter arms can also be used with the adapter clamp sold below, which provides coarse height adjustment of a cannula holder and Ø7.9 mm adapter arm via two 1/4"-20 thumbscrews. ![]() Click for Details Implant Guide Assembly ![]() Click to Enlarge Weep holes for epoxy to escape ![]() Click for Details Mounting Surface of OGF Cannula Impant Guide Cannula Implant Guides
These Cannula Implant Guides are designed to provide guidance and stability for a fiber optic cannula during an implantation procedure. The bottom surface of each implant guide features a roughened surface and circular groove (see image to the right) that increase the surface area available to dental cement and improves adhesion to the specimen. A 1.6 mm long protrusion on the implant guide helps stabilize the guide when implanted. Each implant is constructed using lightweight surgical titanium (≤0.11 g) which can be sterilized prior to use. For best results when implanting a cannula, the OGL and OGF should be used with a cannula holder and stereotaxic guidance equipment. To affix the cannula within the implant guide, first insert the cannula into the receptacle of the implant guide. Then, add a small amount of cement or epoxy to the cannula via the two Ø0.8 mm weep holes (see image above). Finally, attach the cannula ferrule to an XCL (Ø1.25 mm ferrule) or XCF (Ø2.5 mm ferrule) cannula holder (see image above). The OGL implant guide is compatible with our standard Ø1.25 mm cannulae (ceramic and stainless steel) and the OGF implant guide is compatible with our standard Ø2.5 mm cannulae (ceramic and stainless steel). When assembled, the length of the protruding fiber is reduced by 1 mm (Item # OGL) or 2 mm (Item # OGF); therefore, these implant guides cannot be used with our 2 mm long cannulae. Additionally, due to the fiber separation distance, the implant guides cannot be used with our dual-core cannulae.
Fiber Patch CablesFiber Optic Rotary Joint Patch Cables
Our articulated fiber optic patch cables feature a rotary joint interface that allows the cable to freely rotate, reducing damage in optogenetics experiments. They provide a complete solution for connecting the light source to an implanted fiber optic cannula and are compatible with all Thorlabs light sources and optogenetics equipment. ![]() Click to Enlarge RJPFF2 Rotary Joint Patch Cable ![]() Click to Enlarge Rotary Joint Detail ![]() Click to Enlarge Ø1.25 mm Ferrule Optogenetics Patch Cable Standard Lightweight Fiber Optic Patch Cables
Our optogenetics patch cables can be used to connect a light source to a fiber optic implantable cannulae. We offer small diameter fiber that minimizes tissue damage, as well as extra lightweight cables for Ø1.25 mm cannulae. Specialty Fiber Patch Cables ![]() Click to Enlarge Custom 7 to 1 Fan Out Cable
We can custom fabricate cables, including armored cable for protection from specimen damage and fan out cables for incorporating multiple light sources into one fiber optic implant. See the Custom Cables tab above for details. ![]() Click to Enlarge The RJ1 rotary joint has terminated ends and accepts a wide variety of FC/PC patch cables. 1x1 Rotary Joint for FC/PC Multimode Patch Cables
Thorlabs' RJ1 1x1 Rotary Joint for FC/PC Multimode Patch Cables is a single input and output rotary joint with low rotational variation. Designed for use in optogenetics, the rotary interface allows patch cables to rotate freely when attached to a moving specimen, reducing the risk of both fiber damage and intensity fluctuations. The input and output patch cables are not permanently attached to the rotary joint, and, as a result, can be selected with a specific core size, NA, and jacketing type to optomize an experiment. This also allows cables to be easily replaced if fibers are damaged. For best performance, we recommend using multimode fibers with a core diameter ≥Ø200 µm and NA between 0.22 to 0.50. Thorlabs can provide custom rotary joints that are aligned and optimized using other patch cables or light sources; please contact Tech Support with inquiries.
The ADAF2 Interconnect enables simple mating and disconnections for our Ø2.5 mm ferrule optogenetics components.
![]() Click for Details The ADAL1 Mating Sleeve is designed to mate Ø1.25 mm ferrule cannulae and patch cables. Interconnect and Mating Sleeves
Thorlabs offers interconnects and mating sleeves for making connections between our line of optogenetics patch cables and fiber optic cannulae. These ferrule mating components provide low-loss coupling and are compatible with both stainless steel and ceramic (zirconia) ferrules. Interconnects are designed to facilitate easy connections and disconnections from an implanted cannula, requiring >80% less force to disconnect compared to mating sleeves. On the other hand, mating sleeves are preferred for very lightweight (~0.18 g), low-profile connections between a patch cable and cannula. ![]() Click to Enlarge 2x2 Multimode Fiber Coupler Fiber Optic Couplers / SplittersThorlabs multimode fiber couplers are optimized for Optogenetics applications such as bilateral stimulation, where one light source is used to illuminate two fiber optic implants placed close together in the specimen. Couplers are available from stock with 1x2 and 2x2 configurations. Our couplers have SMA905 or FC/PC connectors on the input legs for compatibility with fiber-coupled LED and laser light sources. They are available with Ø2.5 mm ferrule ends on the output legs for direct connection to a fiber optic cannula, or with standard SMA905 or FC/PC connectors for use with other patch cables, such as our rotary joint cables featured above. ![]() Click to Enlarge Schematic illustrates the input and output ports of the RJ2 1x2 rotary joint. 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. The rotary joint accepts any FC/PC-terminated patch cable, such as our optogenetics, multimode, and hybrid patch cables. For best performance, we recommend using multimode patch cables with a TECS-clad fiber, core diameter ≥Ø200 µm, and NA between 0.22 to 0.50. Thorlabs can provide custom rotary joint splitters that are aligned and optimized using other patch cables or light sources; please contact Tech Support with inquiries. ![]() ![]() Light SourcesThorlabs offers a variety of fiber-coupled light sources that can be used for in vivo stimulation. Our Fiber-Coupled LEDs offer a durable, economic solution with a variety of wavelength choices. Our Fiber-Coupled Lasers, Pigtailed Laser Diodes, and Benchtop Laser Diodes provide higher power at the cannula tip, and our Multichannel Light Sources offers a variety of wavelengths in a compact unit. ![]() Click to Enlarge Multimode Optical Fiber ![]() Click to Enlarge SMA Connector Components Cable and Cannula Building Supplies
Thorlabs stocks individual components for building custom fiber optic cannulae and patch cables, including optical fiber, ferrules, connectors, tubing, and connectorization tools. Our FN96A connectorization manual, which is free to download, gives clear instructions on how to add connectors to optical fiber.
![]() Click to Enlarge Example Kit with Ø400 µm Core Fiber, Ø2.5 mm Ferrules, and Rotary Joint Patch Cable Customizable Optogenetics Kits
Thorlabs' optogenetics equipment is available in complete, ready-to-use kits. These optogenetics kits are comprised of essential supplies to establish and maintain optogenetics experiments; kit contents may be substituted or removed to suit individual needs. Each kit includes a 470 nm Fiber-Coupled LED with driver, lightweight patch cables, interconnect and mating sleeves, cannulae, and fiber handling and maintenance tools. We offer kits with Ø200 µm or Ø400 µm fiber components and Ø1.25 mm or Ø2.5 mm ferrules. For information concerning custom orders, pricing, and availability, please contact Tech Support.![]() Custom Fiber Optic CannulaThorlabs offers custom cannulae with the following options. Place a quote request through the following form to receive a quote for your custom cannula order.
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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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