Implantable Fiber Optic Cannulae, Ø300 µm Core, 0.39 NA Fiber
![](https://www.thorlabs.us/Images/GuideImages/6792_OGCannula_1.jpg)
- Cannulae with Ø300 µm Core, 0.39 NA Multimode Fiber
- Stainless Steel or Ceramic, Ø2.5 mm (FC) Ferrule
- 2 mm to 20 mm Cleaved Cannulae
- Custom Versions Available
Ferrule Ends
CFMC13L20
20 mm Cleaved Fiber
CFM13L10
10 mm Cleaved Fiber
CFM13L05
5 mm Cleaved Fiber
Stainless Steel
Polished Ceramic
Ø2.5 mm
Ø2.5 mm
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Fiber Optic Cannula Selection Guide |
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Ø105 µm Core, 0.22 NA Fiber |
Ø200 µm Core, 0.22 NA Fiber |
Ø200 µm Core, 0.39 NA Fiber |
Ø200 µm Core, 0.50 NA Fiber |
Ø300 µm Core, 0.39 NA Fiber |
Ø400 µm Core, 0.39 NA Fiber |
Ø400 µm Core, 0.50 NA Fiber |
Dual-Core Cannula |
Cannulae with Diffuser Tip |
Cannula Fiber Specifications | |
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Fiber Type | FT300EMT |
Wavelength Range (Click for Plot) |
400 - 2200 nm |
Fiber Core Diameter | 300 ± 6 µm |
Fiber Outer Diameter | 325 ± 10 μm |
Numerical Aperture | 0.39 |
Cleaved Length Tolerance | ±0.5 mm |
![Fiber Optic Cannula and Interconnect](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/TabImages/Optogenetics_InterconnectsDemo_A1-350.jpg)
Click for Details
All Fiber Optic Cannulae and Optogenetics Patch Cables can be easily mated using an Interconnect or Mating Sleeve.
Features
- Ø300 µm Core, 0.39 NA Fiber Optic Cannulae
- Multiple Ferrule Options
- Ø2.5 mm (FC) Size
- Stainless Steel or Ceramic (Zirconia) Material
- Various Fiber Lengths (2 - 20 mm) for a Variety of Applications
- Contact Tech Support for Discount on High-Volume Purchases
- Custom Versions Available (See Custom Cannula tab for Details)
Thorlabs' Implantable Fiber Optic Cannulae deliver light from an LED or laser light source to optically sensitive cells within a specimen. The cannulae consists of a ferrule and a length of protruding optical fiber that is typically surgically implanted using stereotaxic guidance. After implanting, the ferrule remains exposed; this provides an interface with our line of Optogenetics Equipment (see the OG Selection Guide tab for a full listing).
The cannulae sold on this page use a Ø300 µm, 0.39 NA fiber (item # FT300EMT) with a variety of ferrule and length options. Cannulae with Ø2.5 mm (FC) ferrules are easier to handle and provide a more robust connection that is ideal for larger specimens. Stainless steel ferrules are easy to score for better adherence when implanted and fixated with glue, while ceramic ferrules are lighter for reduced stress on the specimen.
Cannulae are available with a flat cleave to a pre-determined length (2, 5, 10, or 20 mm). An implant guide for the cannula sold on this page is also available below in packs of one or five.
Each cannula includes a protective cap that shields the ferrule end from dust and other hazards. Additional CAPF Fiber Caps are also sold separately. If the ferrule end becomes dirty from use, we offer a selection of inspection tools, as well as fiber optic cleaning products.
![](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/TabImages/Cannula_NA_A1-360.gif)
Click to Enlarge
Multiple fiber NAs are available across our optogenetics product line; cannulae with a 0.39 NA are sold on this page.
Mating Sleeve and Patch Cable Compatibility
The ferrule diameter of a patch cable and cannula is the key factor for physical compatibility with an interconnect and mating sleeve. Mixing stainless steel and ceramic ferrules should not introduce significant additional signal losses. Patch cables and cannulae using Ø2.5 mm (FC) ferrules are compatible with the ADAF1 mating sleeve and ADAF2 interconnect.
Numerical Aperture (NA)
For best performance, choose a patch cable and cannula with the same fiber core diameter and NA. Numerical Aperture (NA) defines the angle of the cone of light leaving the fiber tip at the end of the cannula and is a dimensionless quantity used by fiber manufacturers to specify the acceptance angle of an optical fiber. Cannulae with a lower NA provide a narrower cone of light at the tip, resulting in higher light intensity over a smaller area, while cannulae with a higher NA generate a wider cone of light that illuminates a larger area with lower intensity.
Custom Cannulae
Thorlabs also manufactures custom fiber optic cannulae. We can provide different fiber and/or ferrule types as well as different fiber lengths. Please see the Custom Cannula tab for details.
Optogenetics Product Family for In Vivo Applications
Thorlabs 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.
Related Optogenetics Products | ||||
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Light Sources | Patch Cables (Ø300 µm Core) | Mating | Cannulae (Ø300 µm Core) | Accessories |
Fiber-Coupled LEDs MM Laser, 473 nm |
Standard | Interconnects Mating Sleeves |
Standard | Implant Guides Cannula Holders |
![Custom Cannula Dimensions Drawing](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/TabImages/Cannula_Dwg.jpg)
Custom Fiber Optic Cannula
Thorlabs offers custom cannulae with the following options. Place a quote request through the following form to receive a quote for your custom cannula order.
Fiber Cleaving
A cleave, or precision cut, is used to ensure proper light propagation out of the fiber tip. Thorlabs' uncleaved cannula must be cleaved before use; a cleaved cannula can be cleaved again if a shorter fiber length is desired. We recommend the following procedure for cleaving the fiber end.
Required Materials
- Uncleaved Fiber Optic Cannula
- S90R Fiber Scribe
- BFG1 Bare Fiber Gripper
- KW32 Kimwipes™ Lint-Free Wipes
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- JEL10 Eye Loupe, EYL10X Premium Eye Loupe, or Microscope
- FTDU Fiber Optic Disposal Unit (Recommended)
Cleaving Procedure
- Clean the fiber end of the cannula using a lint-free wipe and isopropyl alcohol. Do not use acetone, as this will damage the TECS cladding on the exposed fiber.
- Measure the desired length of fiber from the end of the ferrule. Mark this length on the fiber with a marker.
- Place the cannula on a hard surface and secure the fiber end with a finger or tape, as shown in Figure 1.
- Hold the cleaving tool perpendicular to the fiber and gently score the fiber as shown in Figure 1 to the right. Do not apply excessive pressure. The fiber should not break off at this point.
This step is critical in obtaining a good cleave. If the scribe is made too hard, the fiber will break instead of cleaving. If the scribe is too light, the fiber will not cleave. - Hold the cannula in one hand, and grip the fiber end with a bare fiber gripper in the other end as shown in Figure 2. Pull the fiber straight back until the fiber cleaves as shown in Figure 3. Dispose of the scrap fiber end in the FTDU or any medical or fiber sharps container.
- If the fiber does not break with a moderate amount of tension, repeat steps 4-5 above applying slightly more pressure when scoring. Inspect the cleave using an eye loupe or microscope.
A good cleave will be flat across the fiber and perpendicular to the optic axis. There should be no ‘tag’ (i.e., protrusion) from the edge of the fiber. The region where the initial scribe was made may be visible. It should be less than 5% of the core diameter. Be patient as this process takes a little practice. Please be aware that it will be more difficult to achieve a high-quality cleave in large-core-diameter fibers compared to thinner fibers. A view of a properly cleaved fiber end as seen through a Thorlabs' JEL10 eye loupe is shown in Figure 4.
Click Here for a PowerPoint Illustrating This Procedure
Thorlabs also offers a full fiber connectorization manual, which covers fiber termination and connectorization, as well as bare fiber cleaving. It can be downloaded for free here, or a paper copy can be purchased here.
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Quick Links | |||
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Single-Site Stimulation | |||
One Light Source to One Cannula Implant | |||
Multilateral Stimulation | |||
One Light Source to Two Cannula Implants Using Rotary Joint Splitter | |||
One or Two Light Sources to Two Cannula Implants | |||
One Light Source to Seven Cannula Implants | |||
Two Light Sources into One Dual-Core Cannula Implant | |||
Illumination | |||
Fiber-Coupled LEDs and Drivers |
Optogenetics Selection Guide
Thorlabs 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 Stimulation
One Light Source to One Cannula Implant
The 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
![](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/tabimages/Optogenetics_Selection_SingleB_A3-780.gif)
Click to See Ø1.25 mm (LC) Ferrule Compatible Patch Cables, Cannulae, and Interconnects
Click to See Ø2.5 mm (FC) Ferrule Compatible Patch Cables, Cannulae, and Interconnects
Multilateral Stimulation
The 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.
Multilateral 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 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. 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.
![](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/tabimages/Optogenetics_Rotary_Splitter_A1-780.gif)
Click to See Ø1.25 mm (LC) Ferrule Components Recommended for Use with RJ2 Rotary Joint Splitter
Click to See Ø2.5 mm (FC) Ferrule Components Recommended for Use with RJ2 Rotary Joint Splitter
Option 2: One or Two Light Sources to Two Cannula Implants
If 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
![](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/tabimages/Optogenetics_Selection_Bi_A3-500.gif)
![](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/tabimages/Optogenetics_Selection_Coupler_A3-500.gif)
Option 3: One Light Sources to Seven Cannula Implants
If the intent is for one LED source to connect to seven cannulae for simultaneous light modulation, then a 1-to-7 fiber bundle can be used to split the light from the LED into each respective cannula. 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
![](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/tabimages/Optogenetics-Diagram_A2-500.gif)
Two Light Sources into One Dual-Core Cannula Implant
For 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.
![](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/tabimages/Optogenetics_Selection_Dual_A2-550.gif)
Click on Each Component for More Information
Part Selection Table (Click Links for Item Description Popup) | |||||||||
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Common Fiber Properties | |||||||||
Core Diameter | 200 µm | ||||||||
Wavelength Range | 400 - 2200 nm | ||||||||
NA | 0.39 | ||||||||
Fiber Type | FT200EMT | ||||||||
Ferrule Stylea | FC (Ø2.5 mm) | ||||||||
Dual-Core Patch Cable | FC/PC Input | BFY32FL1 | |||||||
SMA905 Input | BFY32SL1 | ||||||||
Compatible Mating Sleeve/Interconnect | ADAF1 ADAF2 ADAF4-5 |
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Dual-Core Fiber Optic Cannulaec | Stainless Steel | CFM32L10 CFM32L20 |
LED Item # | Wavelengtha | Typical Opsin | Output Powerb | Color |
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M385F1c | 385 nm | EBFP, moxBFP | 10.7 mW | UV |
M405F3c | 405 nm | mmilCFP, hcriGFP | 3.7 mW | UV |
M430F1 | 430 nm | ChR2 | 7.5 mW | Violet |
M455F3 | 455 nm | ChIEF, bPAC | 24.5 mW | Royal Blue |
M470F4 | 470 nm | ChR2, ChR2-SFO | 20 mW | Blue |
M490F4 | 490 nm | Rh-CT, ChR2 (E123A) | 2.8 mW | Blue |
M505F3 | 505 nm | ChRGR, Opto-α1AR, Opto-β2AR | 11.7 mW | Cyan |
M530F3 | 530 nm | C1V1, VChR1 | 9.6 mW | Green |
M565F3 | 565 nm | Arch, VChR1-SFO | 13.5 mW | Lime |
M595F2 | 595 nm | ChR2-SFO, eNpHR3.0 | 11.5 mW | Amber |
M625F2 | 625 nm | ReChR | 17.5 mW | Red |
Illumination
![M405F1](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/standard/23375-std.jpg)
Click to Enlarge
M405F1
Fiber-Coupled LEDs and Drivers
Our 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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Item # Prefix |
Image | Ferrule Size | Ferrule Length |
Ferrule Material |
Fiber Length | Cleave Type |
Compatible Interconnect / Sleeve |
Compatible Patch Cables |
Compatible Implant Guidea |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CFMC13 | ![]() |
Ø2.5 mm (FC) | 10.5 mm | Ceramic | 2, 5, 10, or 20 mm | Flat Cleave | ADAF2 Interconnect ADAF1 Mating Sleeve |
M56 and M58 Patch Cables | OGF |
![Back to Top Back to Top](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/arrow_Vert.gif)
Item # Prefix |
Image | Ferrule Size | Ferrule Length |
Ferrule Material |
Fiber Length | Cleave Type |
Compatible Interconnect / Sleeve |
Compatible Patch Cables |
Compatible Implant Guidea |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CFM13 | ![]() |
Ø2.5 mm (FC) | 12.7 mm | Stainless Steel |
2, 5, 10, or 20 mm | Flat Cleave | ADAF2 Interconnect ADAF1 Mating Sleeve |
M56 and M58 Patch Cables | OGF |
![Back to Top Back to Top](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/arrow_Vert.gif)
![](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/tabimages/OGF_D1-150.gif)
Click for Details
Cross Section Drawing of OGF with CFM22L05 Cannula (Not Included)
![](https://www.thorlabs.us/images/tabimages/Cannula_Guide_Assembly_A1-150.jpg)
Click for Details
Implant Guide Assembly
- Improves Adhesion and Stability During Implantation
- Compatible with Ø2.5 mm Fiber Optic Cannulae with ≥5 mm Length
- Ø5.1 mm Mounting Surface with Grooved Ring for Dental Cement
- Lightweight Surgical Titanium Construction (0.11 g)
- Weep Holes for Epoxy to Secure a Cannula
- Compatible with Stereotaxic Cannula Holders
This Cannula Implant Guide is 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 that increases 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. The implant is constructed using lightweight surgical titanium (0.11 g) which can be sterilized prior to use. 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 2 mm; therefore, the implant guide cannot be used with our 2 mm long cannulae. For convenience, the guide is offered in packs of one or five.
For best results when implanting a cannula, the 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 (see drawing to the right). Then, add a small amount of cement or epoxy to the cannula via the two Ø0.8 mm weep holes. Then, insert the cannula and allow the glue to harden and secure the cannula in place; each implant guide has two Ø0.8 mm weep holes for excess glue. Finally, attach the cannula ferrule to an XCF cannula holder.