Fiber PlexBright™ Fiber Stub Implants for Optogenetics
April 19, 2013
DALLAS, TX — (April 19, 2013) – Plexon Inc, the leader in advanced hardware and software solutions for neuroscience and behavioral research, announces the addition of the thinner fiber line of PlexBright™ Fiber Stub Implants as part of the PlexBright Optogenetic Stimulation System supporting research utilizing freely behaving animals.
A fiber stub implant, also called a fiber optic cannula, is a small length of optical fiber down the center of and protruding beyond a small ferrule through which light is delivered to a specific region in the brain dictated by the fiber length. This permanently implanted stub connects to an optical patch cable which in turn connects to the light source itself – in this case, a PlexBright LED Module. The PlexBright Fiber Stub Implant is an important part of the equipment necessary to deliver optogenetic stimulation to freely behaving animals.
The new line of PlexBright Fiber Stub Implants is nearly 40% less wide than Plexon’s initial family of fiber stubs and measures 110/125μm (representing a core fiber diameter of 110μm, and a total outer diameter that includes the cladding of 125μm). The smaller diameter displaces less tissue upon entry and is believed to introduce less tissue damage. The smaller size may be more appropriate when minimal tissue disturbance is of special concern and/or for small animals such as mice.
Light output is a result of several factors including surface area of the optical fiber’s tip. If achieving the highest power output possible is of greatest concern, the original PlexBright Fiber Stub Implants measuring 200/230μm may be the most suitable, as the larger diameter fiber yields a larger surface area.
Like the original 200/230μm Fiber Stub Implants, the new 110/125μm Fiber Stub Implants feature all glass fibers and cladding making them heat, chemical, and scratch resistant. The tips are also precision-finished for a perfect flat tip, without the imperfections typical in products from other companies. Both diameters are available in stocked lengths of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12mm, and are compatible with LC Ferrule-tipped PlexBright Optical Patch Cables with or without the stainless steel jacketing.
For more information regarding Plexon’s PlexBright Fiber Stub Implants, visit www.plexon.com.
About Plexon Inc
Plexon is a pioneer and leading innovator of custom, high performance data acquisition, behavior and analysis solutions specifically designed for scientific research. We collaborate with and supply thousands of customers including the most prestigious neuroscience laboratories around the globe driving new frontiers in areas including basic science, brain-machine interfaces (BMI), neurodegenerative diseases, addictive behaviors and neuroprosthetics. Plexon offers integrated solutions for in vivo neurophysiology, optogenetics, and behavioral research — backed by its industry-leading commitment to quality and customer support. www.plexon.com.