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Fiber Optic Rotary Joint Patch Cables for Optogenetics![]()
Rotary Joint Detail SM05 Mounting Threads To Specimen To Light Source Rotating Section Integrated Rotary Joint Ø2.5 mm Ferrule End SMA Connector RJPSF2 RJASF2 Stainless Steel Tubing and Sleeves Prevent Damage from Specimen Lightweight Heat-Shrink Tubing Minimizes Pressure on Specimen Related Items ![]() Please Wait Rotary Joint Patch Cable FeaturesOur articulated patch cables provide a complete fiber optic solution, connecting to the light source on one end and the implanted cannula on the other.
Features
Integrated Design For a rotary joint interface with removable patch cables, Thorlabs offers the RJ1 1x1 Rotary Joint for FC/PC Multimode Patch Cables. This rotary joint operates over a 400 nm to 700 nm wavelength range, and with FC/PC ports, fibers can be selected with specific cores, NAs, and jacketing types to optimize an experiment. Rotary Joint Fiber Optics Each rotary joint cable includes two protective caps that shield the ferrule ends from dust Ferrule Size and Fiber Core Size Cannula and Component Compatibility Custom Rotary Joint CablesThe fiber leads of these cables are permanently attached to the rotary joint for higher performance and provide a one piece, integrated fiber optic solution. For compatibility with a wide range of cannulae, light sources, and experimental setups, we can produce custom rotary joint cables using fibers with different core sizes and NAs. We can also produce cables with different connectors or any length of fiber on each end of the joint. For best performance, the fiber core size should be 200 µm or greater. We also offer Standard Rotary Joint Cables, with SMA or FC/PC connectors on each end. Contact Tech Support to order a custom rotary joint cable. Optogenetics Product Family for In Vivo ApplicationsThorlabs 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.
Fiber Specs
Rotary Joint Mounting OptionsThe rotary joint included in our articulated patch cables features external SM05 (0.535"-40) threading on the non-rotating section. This allows the rotary joint to be mounted into our standard optomechanical hardware and positioned above a specimen enclosure. A selection of example mounts are shown below and to the right, and each can be configured based on enclosure size. Additionally, rotary joints can be custom mounted in enclosure walls or ceilings (bottom right) using either our SM05 tap or by gluing the rotary joint into a ~Ø1/2" hole. ![]() Click to Enlarge The rotary joint is engraved with the part number and has external SM05 (0.535"-40) threading for convenient mounting. Clamp to 1/2" PostThis mounting option utilizes our C059TC Tube Clamp to easily secure the stationary end of our rotary joints. This clamp allows you to swap between cables without disassembling your setup. To build this mount, first screw a TR3 post to the breadboard using the SS25S050 setscrew. Next, mount the C059TC to the end of the post with an SH8S025 cap screw. Then, simply place the rotary joint and clamp down on the thicker, static section, letting the rotating section move freely. Tighten the captive locking screw on the clamp using a 5/64" hex key. High Mass Ø1.5" Post MountThis mounting option uses our Ø1.5" optical post to create a highly stable rotary joint mount. The high mass post and breadboard keep the rotary joint firmly in place. The P10 Ø1.5" post and TR8 Ø1/2" post may be substituted with other posts of different lengths, plus the C1511 post clamp may be positioned anywhere along the Ø1.5" post to accommodate different specimen enclosure sizes. To build this mount, first mount the rotary joint in the LMR05 mount: Unthread the retaining ring inside the LMR05 mount. Then, pull the orange cable through the LMR05, and thread the rotary joint into the mount. Next, mount the LMR05 to the tapered end of the TR8 post using the included setscrew. Remove the front plate of the C1511 and mount the TR8 to one of the front plate's 1/4" counterbores using one of the SH25S038 cap screws, making sure the rotary joint is oriented correctly while the screw is tightened. Reattach the mounting plate to the C1511 post clamp, and slide it onto the P10 post, tightening the screw to lock its position. Screw the PB2 base onto the end of the P10 post using a SS25S050 setscrew and attach it to the breadboard using four SH25S038 cap screws. Adjustable Ø1/2" Post MountThis mounting option uses our Ø1/2" optical posts to create a quickly adjustable rotary joint mount. The breadboard base keeps the rotary joint firmly in place, while the RA90 post clamp allows the position of the rotary joint to be easily adjusted. The TR3 and TR4 Ø1/2" posts may be substituted with other posts of different lengths to accommodate different specimen enclosure sizes. To build this mount, first mount the rotary joint in the LMR05 mount: Unthread the retaining ring inside the LMR05 mount. Then, pull the orange cable through the LMR05, and thread the rotary joint into the mount. Next, mount the LMR05 to the tapered end of the TR3 post using the included setscrew. Attach the TR4 post to the breadboard using the SS25S050 setscrew, and slide the RA90 onto the top of the post. Slide the TR3 into the other hole of the RA90, and tighten the thumbscrews to lock the position of the rotary joint.
Angle Bracket MountThis mounting option uses our AB90 angle bracket for a low-profile, low-cost setup. The angle bracket's 1/4" counterbored slot in the base can be used to attach it to any wood, plastic, or metal surface using the appropriate screws. To build this mount, first mount the rotary joint in the LMR05 mount: Unthread the retaining ring inside the LMR05 mount. Then, pull the orange cable through the LMR05, and screw the rotary joint into the mount. To mount the LMR05 mount to one of the counterbored slots in the AB90, stack the SD1 ring and W25S050 washer onto the SS8S075 screw and thread them through the AB90's counterbored slot (click photo for details). Custom Enclosure MountThe rotary joint can be mounted in an acrylic sheet (pictured), wood, plastic, or metal enclosure walls and ceilings that have an SM05-threaded (0.535"-40) hole. Custom holes can be tapped using our 83373 SM05 tap. First, drill or mill out a Ø0.508" hole where the rotary joint is to be mounted. Next, mount the tap in a drill press and manually turn it into the hole to cut threads into the material. To mount the rotary joint, insert the rotary joint's threads into the enclosure wall from the inside. Alternatively, a ~Ø1/2" hole can be drilled into the enclosure wall, and the rotary joint can be glued into place. Insert the threaded section into the hole from the inside of the enclosure, and do not allow glue to contact the rotating mechanism. We recommend using our G14250 5-minute epoxy.
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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