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Optogenetic Stimulation Kit
RWD-OPSK-01$10,750.00
Bundles$13,723.99$13,037.32
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Complete Optogenetics Research Bundle
Integrated optogenetics system with laser, fiber optics, and rotary joint for precise neural circuit manipulation in behaving animals through light-activated ion channels.
$13,037.00$13,724.00Save $687.00 (5%)
Bundles over $5,000 default to quote. Procurement gets the line items in writing. Typical reply within 24 hours.
Free shippingOn bundles over $5,000
1-year warrantyCalibration certificate
Setup supportLive install with a CS scientist
Spec sheet (PDF)IACUC-ready summary
Key Specifications
| Automation Level | semi-automated |
| Species | Mouse, Rat |
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Louise Corscadden
PhD, Neuroscience
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Required components form the minimum viable kit. Optional components extend it. Toggle to remove what you already have. The price and the line items update live.
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Rodent Optogenetics Laser Stimulation
CS-958437$2,290.00
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Optogenetics Rotary Joint
RWD-R-FC-1x1$490.00
Required
Optogenetics Optical Fiber
CS-958439$29.99
Required
Optogenetics Ceramic Ferrule & Fiber Optic
CS-958441$130.00
Required
Fiber Stripper (Tongs)
RWD-R-OFT-600$33.99
The Complete Optogenetics Research Bundle provides a fully integrated system for neural circuit manipulation through light-activated ion channels. This comprehensive kit includes compatibility-tested components for precise optical stimulation and inhibition of genetically modified neurons expressing channelrhodopsin, halorhodopsin, or other optogenetic actuators. The system enables researchers to perform controlled temporal and spatial activation of specific neural populations in vivo.
The bundle combines laser light delivery, fiber optic coupling, and rotary joint technology to maintain optical connection during behavioral testing. All components are pre-validated for compatibility, eliminating the need to source and test individual elements from multiple suppliers. The system supports both stimulation and inhibition protocols across multiple wavelengths commonly used in optogenetic research.
How It Works
Optogenetic manipulation relies on genetically encoded light-sensitive ion channels that are expressed in specific neural populations. When exposed to light of appropriate wavelengths, these channels undergo conformational changes that allow ion flux across the neuronal membrane. Channelrhodopsin variants typically respond to blue light (470 nm) by opening cation channels, leading to depolarization and neural activation. Halorhodopsin responds to yellow-green light (560-590 nm) by conducting chloride ions, causing hyperpolarization and neural inhibition.
The system delivers precise light pulses through implanted optical fibers that terminate near target brain regions. The laser source provides stable, calibrated light output that can be modulated for temporal patterns ranging from single pulses to complex stimulation trains. The rotary joint maintains optical coupling while allowing unrestricted animal movement during behavioral testing.
Fiber optic delivery ensures spatial precision, with light intensity decreasing as a function of distance from the fiber tip according to established photon scattering models in brain tissue. The ceramic ferrules provide stable, low-loss connections that maintain consistent light delivery across experimental sessions.
Features & Benefits
Compatibility-tested components
Eliminates integration issues between laser, fibers, and coupling hardware, reducing setup time and troubleshooting.
Rotary joint design
Maintains optical connection during unrestricted animal movement, enabling natural behavioral testing without fiber tension or disconnection.
Ceramic ferrule connections
Provides stable, repeatable fiber coupling with minimal insertion loss and consistent light transmission across sessions.
Complete system integration
Pre-validated component compatibility reduces experimental variability and ensures reliable optical stimulation delivery.
Multi-wavelength capability
Supports both excitatory and inhibitory optogenetic tools, allowing bidirectional circuit manipulation within the same experimental setup.
Flexible fiber optic design
Accommodates various implant configurations and behavioral apparatus geometries for diverse experimental paradigms.
Behavioral Construct
- Circuit Mapping
- Neural Activation
- Neural Inhibition
- Temporal Control
Automation Level
- semi-automated
Research Domain
- Addiction Research
- Anxiety and Depression
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Learning and Memory
- Motor Function
- Neuroscience
- Social Behavior
Species
- Mouse
- Rat
Weight
- 7.0 kg
Dimensions
- L: 25.0 mm
- W: 15.0 mm
- H: 10.0 mm
Comparison Guide
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| System Integration | Complete compatibility-tested bundle with all essential components | Individual components requiring separate sourcing and compatibility validation | Reduces setup time and eliminates integration troubleshooting for immediate research capability. |
| Rotary Joint | Integrated rotary joint for unrestricted movement | Basic fiber connections without rotation capability | Enables natural behavior testing without fiber strain or disconnection artifacts. |
| Component Matching | Pre-validated optical coupling between all components | Mixed-vendor components with variable coupling efficiency | Ensures consistent light delivery and reduces experimental variability across sessions. |
| Technical Support | Unified support for complete system integration | Multiple vendor contacts for individual component issues | Streamlines troubleshooting and reduces downtime when technical issues arise. |
This integrated optogenetics bundle provides pre-validated component compatibility and comprehensive system support, reducing experimental setup complexity compared to individual component sourcing. The inclusion of rotary joint technology enables behavioral flexibility while maintaining optical coupling integrity.
Neuroscience
Circuit mapping studies examining the role of specific neural populations in behavior by selectively activating channelrhodopsin-expressing neurons during behavioral tasks.
Behavioral Pharmacology
Testing drug effects on neural circuits by combining optogenetic manipulation with pharmacological interventions to dissect circuit-specific responses to therapeutic compounds.
Learning and Memory
Memory engram studies using light stimulation to reactivate specific neural ensembles that were active during learning episodes.
Anxiety and Depression
Investigating mood-related neural circuits by optogenetically manipulating limbic system components during anxiety-like or depression-like behavioral paradigms.
Motor Function
Examining motor control pathways by stimulating or inhibiting specific motor cortex or basal ganglia populations during movement tasks.
Social Behavior
Studying neural mechanisms of social interaction by manipulating hypothalamic or amygdalar circuits during social approach or aggression assays.
Addiction Research
Investigating reward pathways by optogenetically controlling dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area during drug self-administration studies.
Practical Tips
Calibration
Measure light output at the fiber tip before each experimental session using a calibrated optical power meter.
Why: Ensures consistent irradiance delivery and accounts for gradual degradation of optical components over time.
Maintenance
Clean fiber connector faces with appropriate solvents and lint-free wipes between experimental sessions.
Why: Prevents contamination buildup that can cause light scattering and reduce coupling efficiency.
Best Practices
Document stimulation parameters, fiber position, and power measurements for each animal to maintain experimental consistency.
Why: Enables reproducible results and facilitates troubleshooting when behavioral responses vary between subjects.
Safety
Never look directly into fiber connectors or laser outputs, even at low power settings.
Why: Concentrated light output can cause permanent retinal damage even at power levels that appear dim to the eye.
Troubleshooting
If stimulation effects diminish over time, check for fiber damage at the implant site and verify coupling connections.
Why: Mechanical stress on implanted fibers can cause fractures that reduce light transmission to target tissue.
Data Quality
Include control sessions with identical fiber coupling but no light delivery to isolate optogenetic effects from mechanical artifacts.
Why: Distinguishes genuine optogenetic responses from behavioral changes caused by fiber heating or mechanical stimulation.
Maintenance
Replace fiber patch cords periodically based on handling frequency and visual inspection for damage.
Why: Fiber degradation from repeated bending and connector cycling can gradually reduce system performance.
Setup Guide
System Unpacking
Remove all components from packaging and verify that stimulation kit, laser system, rotary joint, optical fibers, and ceramic ferrules are present and undamaged.
Laser System Setup
Connect laser system to power supply and control interface, then verify stable light output using the provided power meter or photodiode.
Fiber Coupling
Connect optical fiber to laser output using the ceramic ferrule, ensuring clean connections and minimal light loss at coupling points.
Rotary Joint Installation
Mount the rotary joint above the behavioral apparatus and connect fiber input/output legs, testing rotation smoothness and optical transmission.
Stimulation Parameters
Configure pulse width, frequency, and intensity parameters through the control software based on your specific optogenetic construct and experimental requirements.
Power Calibration
Measure light output at the fiber tip using a power meter to ensure consistent irradiance levels across experimental sessions.
Behavioral Integration
Synchronize optogenetic stimulation triggers with your behavioral monitoring system or data acquisition platform for precise temporal control.
What’s in the Box
- Optogenetics stimulation control unit (typical)
- Laser light source with power supply (typical)
- Rotary joint assembly (typical)
- Optical fiber patch cord set (typical)
- Ceramic ferrule connectors (typical)
- Fiber optic power meter (typical)
- Control software and drivers (typical)
- User manual and setup guide (typical)
- Calibration certificate (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering components and workmanship, with technical support for system integration and troubleshooting.
Compliance
FDA Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)System components support preclinical neuroscience studies conducted under GLP guidelines for drug development research.
IACUC Protocol RequirementsIntegrated design facilitates animal welfare compliance by minimizing surgical procedures and reducing experimental setup complexity.
IEC 60825-1 Laser SafetySupports laboratory laser safety programs through controlled light delivery systems that minimize direct exposure risks.
Q
What wavelengths are supported for different optogenetic actuators?
A
The system typically supports blue light (470 nm) for channelrhodopsin activation and yellow-green wavelengths (560-590 nm) for halorhodopsin inhibition. Consult product datasheet for complete wavelength specifications and available laser modules.
Q
How is light intensity calibrated and maintained across sessions?
A
Light output should be measured at the fiber tip using a calibrated power meter before each experimental session. The system includes calibration protocols to account for coupling losses and fiber degradation over time.
Q
What is the maximum stimulation frequency and temporal precision?
A
Temporal control capabilities depend on the specific stimulation controller included in the bundle. Most optogenetic systems support stimulation frequencies from single pulses to 100+ Hz with microsecond timing precision.
Q
How does the rotary joint affect light transmission efficiency?
A
Rotary joints typically introduce 1-3 dB insertion loss compared to direct fiber connections. The system is designed to compensate for these losses while maintaining consistent light delivery during animal movement.
Q
What fiber core diameter and numerical aperture are recommended?
A
Fiber specifications depend on your specific implant requirements and light scattering needs in target tissue. Consult product documentation for recommended fiber parameters for different brain regions and applications.
Q
Can the system be synchronized with electrophysiology recordings?
A
The bundle typically includes trigger outputs for synchronization with data acquisition systems. TTL triggers can coordinate optogenetic stimulation with neural recording, behavioral monitoring, or other experimental equipment.
Q
What maintenance is required for optimal performance?
A
Regular cleaning of fiber connectors, power output verification, and replacement of consumable components like fiber patch cords ensures consistent performance. The rotary joint requires periodic lubrication per manufacturer specifications.
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Complete Optogenetics Research Bundle
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