Optrode Package
Hardware
Combined optical fiber and silicon electrode assembly for simultaneous optogenetic light delivery and neural recording at the same site.
Overview
The Optrode Package (pkg_opt) integrates one or more optical fibers with silicon recording electrodes on a single probe shank. This 'optrode' configuration enables precise co-localization of light delivery and electrical recording — critical for closed-loop optogenetic experiments where you need to confirm that recorded neurons are the same ones being activated or inhibited by light.
Design Variants
Standard Optrode (OA-series)
- Optical fiber bonded alongside recording shank
- Fiber tip positioned near recording site cluster
- Single fiber, single-mode or multimode (typically 50 or 100µm core)
Optrode with Microdrive (OCM-series)
- Movable optrode version with drive mechanism
- Allows post-implantation depth adjustment for both fiber and electrodes together
Light Delivery
- Fiber Connection: SMA or FC/PC ferrule at proximal end, connects to laser or LED source
- Wavelength: Compatible with any visible wavelength (405–650nm typical range)
- Power: 1–50 mW at fiber tip (system dependent)
- Spot Size: ~100–500µm diameter illumination volume at tip
Applications
Activation (ChR2, CoChR, Chronos)
- Identify optogenetically tagged neurons in recorded ensemble
- Drive activity in specific cell types during behavioral tasks
- Stimulate inputs to a region while recording postsynaptic responses
Inhibition (eNpHR3.0, ArchT, Jaws)
- Silence specific populations during active behaviors
- Distinguish monosynaptic from polysynaptic connectivity
Closed-Loop Applications
- Trigger stimulation based on real-time LFP or spike detection
- Phase-specific optogenetic manipulation of oscillatory circuits
Compatibility
Electrical output uses standard Omnetics connector compatible with all major DAQ systems. Optical input connects to any fiber-coupled laser or LED driver via the proximal ferrule.
Related
See also: A-Series Silicon Probes, Drug Delivery Package