PlexBright™ Optogenetic Stimulation System: Rat-centric
September 10, 2013
DALLAS, TX — (September 10, 2013) – Plexon Inc, the leader in advanced hardware and software solutions for neuroscience and behavioral research, is thrilled to announce expansion of its PlexBright™ Optogenetic Stimulation System to include equipment specifically designed to better accommodate rats and other larger animals. The new rat-accommodating products include the full range of PlexBright Fiber Stub Implants and PlexBright Optical Patch Cables now with larger FC Ferrules.
A ferrule is a hollow, ceramic cylinder – often called a cannula – through which Plexon passes its high performance optical fibers. A PlexBright Fiber Stub Implant is made of a ferrule with an optical fiber at the center that starts flush with one end of the ferrule and extends beyond the other end revealing an exposed fiber of a specified length. The fiber stub is permanently implanted into the head of the subject with the exposed fiber placed into the tissue and the ferrule end protruding above the skull.
PlexBright Optical Patch Cables transmit light from the LED module to the cable’s tip. Optical Patch Cables supporting freely behaving animal research have a ferrule at the tip through which optical fiber passes and ends flush with the tip leaving no exposed fiber. The two ferrules – one from the Optical Patch Cable and the one on the Fiber Stub Implant – come together forming a direct connection secured with a ceramic sleeve. This union enables the transmission of light from the fiber in the Optical Patch Cable through the fiber in the Fiber Stub Implant and out into the tissue at the targeted depth.
Plexon first introduced its line of Optical Patch Cables and Fiber Stub Implants utilizing LC Ferrules. The new launch expands the product offerings to now include the complete line with FC Ferrules. LC Ferrules are smaller (1.25mm outside diameter x 6.45mm length) and used with rats, mice and other small animals. The new FC Ferrules are a bit larger (2.5mm outside diameter x 10.5mm length) and offer additional strength useful with stronger animals. Thus, the FC Ferrule series of products is typically used with rats and other larger animals. Preference is strictly up to the researcher and the experimental conditions, with the above information offered as a loose guide.
It is important to note that ferrules must match to be used together. For example, if the subject is a rat and an FC Ferrule Fiber Stub Implant is chosen, then an Optical Patch Cable with an FC Ferrule tip is also required. For more information and technical specifications, 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.