Implantable Fiber Optic Cannulae, Ø105 µm Core, 0.22 NA Fiber


  • Cannulae with Ø105 µm Core, 0.22 NA Multimode Fiber
  • Stainless Steel or Ceramic, Ø1.25 mm (LC) Ferrule
  • 2 mm to 20 mm Cleaved and 50 mm Uncleaved Cannulae
  • Custom Versions Available

CFML21U-20

50 mm Uncleaved Fiber, Pack of 20

CFMLC21L20

20 mm Cleaved Fiber

CFML21L05

5 mm Cleaved Fiber

CFMLC21L02

2 mm Cleaved Fiber

Ø1.25 mm

Ø1.25 mm

Ferrule Ends

Stainless Steel

Polished Ceramic

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Cannula Fiber Specifications
Fiber Type FG105LCA
Wavelength Range
(Click for Plot)
400 - 2400 nm
Fiber Core Diameter 105 µm ± 2%
Fiber Outer Diameter 125 ± 1 μm
Numerical Aperture 0.22
Cleaved Length Tolerance ±0.5 mm

Features

  • Ø105 µm Core, 0.22 NA Fiber Optic Cannulae
  • Multiple Ferrule Options
    • Ø1.25 mm (LC) Size
    • Stainless Steel or Ceramic (Zirconia) Material
  • Various Fiber Lengths (2 - 20 mm) for a Variety of Applications
  • Cleave 50 mm Long Cannula to Any Desired Length
  • 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 Ø105 µm, 0.22 NA fiber (item # FG105LCA) with a variety of ferrule and length options. Cannulae with Ø1.25 mm (LC) ferrules are less invasive and lightweight, making them ideal for smaller specimens or placing multiple cannulae in close proximity.

Cannulae are available with a flat cleave to a pre-determined length (2, 5, 10, or 20 mm). Uncleaved cannula with a 50 mm scissor-cut length can be cleaved by the user to any desired length using the procedure outlined on the Cleaving Procedure tab. 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.


Click to Enlarge
Multiple fiber NAs are available across our optogenetics product line; cannulae with a 0.22 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. Cannulae and patch cables using
Ø1.25 mm (LC) ferrules can be connected using the ADAL1 mating sleeve or ADAL3 interconnect.

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.

Optogenetics System Schematic

Related Optogenetics Products
Light Sources Patch Cables (Ø105 µm Core) Mating Cannulae (Ø105 µm Core) Accessories
Fiber-Coupled LEDs
MM Laser, 473 nm
Standard Interconnects
Mating Sleeves
Standard Implant Guides
Cannula Holders

Custom Cannula Dimensions Drawing

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.

Custom Cannula Worksheet:
Fiber Type:
Ferrule Size: Ø2.5 mm (FC)  |  Ø1.25 mm (LC)
(Custom length ferrules are also available. Contact Tech Support for details.)
Ferrule Material: Stainless Steel  |  Ceramic (Zirconia) 
Fiber End: Flat Cleave (tolerance of ±0.5 mm)  |  Scissor Cut 
Fiber Length (mm)*: Length is specified as in the diagram above, with tolerance as noted.
Quantity*:
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Customer Information:
First Name*:
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Figure 2: Pulling the Fiber
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Figure 2: Pulling the Fiber with the BFG1 Bare Fiber Gripper
Figure 1: Scribing the Fiber
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Figure 1: Scribing the Fiber with the S90R Fiber Scribe
Figure 3: Cleaved Fiber
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Figure 3: Cleaved Fiber After Pulling
Cleaved Fiber End
Click to Enlarge
Figure 4: Cleaved Fiber End, as Viewed Through the JEL10 Eye Loupe

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

  1. 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.
  2. Measure the desired length of fiber from the end of the ferrule. Mark this length on the fiber with a marker.
  3. Place the cannula on a hard surface and secure the fiber end with a finger or tape, as shown in Figure 1.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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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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

LED DriverLED DriverFiber-Coupled LEDFiber-Coupled LEDSMA to Ferrule Patch Cable with Optional Rotary JointSMA to Ferrule Patch Cable with Optional Rotary JointADAF2 InterconnectADAF2 InterconnectFiber Optic CannulaFiber Optic Cannula



 

Bilateral 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.

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 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.

LED DriverFiber-Coupled LEDHybrid Patch Cable1x2 Rotary Joint SplitterOG Patch CableOG Patch CableADAF2 InterconnectADAF2 InterconnectFiber Optic CannulaFiber Optic CannulaFiber Optic Cannula

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

LED DriverLED DriverFiber-Coupled LEDFiber-Coupled LEDPatch CabletextY-CableMating SleeveMating SleeveMating SleeveMating SleeveFiber Optic CannulaFiber Optic CannulaFiber Optic CannulaFiber Optic Cannula

LED Driver2nd LED DriverLED Driver textFiber-Coupled LED2nd Fiber-Coupled LEDFiber-Coupled LED textMultimode CouplerMultimode Coupler TextADAF2 InterconnectADAF2 Interconnect TextADAF2 InterconnectADAF2 Interconnect TextFiber Optic CannulaFiber Optic CannulaFiber Optic CannulaFiber Optic Cannula


 

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.

LED Driver2nd LED DriverLED Driver TextFiber-Coupled LED2nd Fiber-Coupled LEDFiber-Coupled LEDsDual-Core Patch CableDual-Core Patch CableADAF2 InterconnectADAF2 InterconnectFiber Optic CannulaFiber Optic Cannula

Click on Each Component for More Information

Part Selection Table (Click Links for Item Description Popup)
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
Dual-Core Fiber Optic Cannulaec Stainless Steel CFM32L10
CFM32L20
  • FC components have a Ø2.5 mm ferrule end.
  • Patch cables for dual light source to single implant applications are highlighted in green above. Choose a patch cable with an input that matches your light source.
  • Available cannulae are highlighted in orange of the table above. Cannule within the same column are interchangeable.

 

Popular Fiber-Coupled LEDs for Optogenetics
Item # M470F3 M590F3
Center Wavelength 470 nm 590 nm
Bandwidth (FWHM) 20 nm 16 nm
Typical Output Spectrum
(Click to Enlarge)
M470 Icon M470 Icon
Ø200 µm Core Fiber Output (Typ.)a
7.0 mW 1.5 mW
Ø400 µm Core Fiber Output (Typ.)b
21.8 mW 4.6 mW
CW Drive Current (Max) 1.0 A 1.0 A
LED Forward Voltage 3.1 V 2.6 V
Typical Lifetime >50,000 Hours >10,000 Hours
  • Tested using MM Fiber with Ø200 µm core, 0.22 NA (Item # FG200UCC).
  • Tested using MM Fiber with Ø400 µm core, 0.39 NA (Item # FT400EMT).

Illumination

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.

Ø1.25 mm (LC), Ceramic Cannulae

Item #
Prefix
Image Ferrule Size Ferrule
Length
Ferrule
Material
Fiber Length Cleave
Type
Compatible
Interconnect / Sleeve
Compatible
Patch Cables
Compatible
Implant Guidea
CFMLC21 Cannulae with Ø1.25 mm Ferrule and Ø200 µm Fiber Ø1.25 mm (LC) 6.4 mm Ceramic 2, 5, 10, or 20 mm Flat Cleave ADAL3 Interconnect
ADAL1 Mating Sleeve
M61 and M63 Patch Cables OGL
CFMLC21U Cannulae with Ø1.25 mm Ferrule and Ø200 µm Fiber 50 mm Scissor Cut
  • Cannulae with 2 mm long fiber are not compatible with our implant guides.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
CFMLC21L02 Support Documentation
CFMLC21L02Fiber Optic Cannula, Ø1.25 x 6.4 mm Ceramic Ferrule, Ø105 µm Core, 0.22 NA, L=2 mm
$50.56
Lead Time
CFMLC21L05 Support Documentation
CFMLC21L05Fiber Optic Cannula, Ø1.25 x 6.4 mm Ceramic Ferrule, Ø105 µm Core, 0.22 NA, L=5 mm
$50.56
Today
CFMLC21L10 Support Documentation
CFMLC21L10Fiber Optic Cannula, Ø1.25 x 6.4 mm Ceramic Ferrule, Ø105 µm Core, 0.22 NA, L=10 mm
$50.56
Today
CFMLC21L20 Support Documentation
CFMLC21L20Fiber Optic Cannula, Ø1.25 x 6.4 mm Ceramic Ferrule, Ø105 µm Core, 0.22 NA, L=20 mm
$50.56
Today
CFMLC21U-20 Support Documentation
CFMLC21U-20Uncleaved Fiber Optic Cannula, Ø1.25 mm Ceramic Ferrule, Ø105 µm Core, 0.22 NA, 20 Pack
$570.19
Today

Ø1.25 mm (LC), Stainless Steel Cannulae

Item #
Prefix
Image Ferrule Size Ferrule
Length
Ferrule
Material
Fiber Length Cleave
Type
Compatible
Interconnect / Sleeve
Compatible
Patch Cables
Compatible
Implant Guidea
CFML21 Cannulae with Ø1.25 mm Ferrule and Ø200 µm Fiber Ø1.25 mm (LC) 6.4 mm Stainless
Steel
2, 5, 10, or 20 mm Flat Cleave ADAL3 Interconnect
ADAL1 Mating Sleeve
M61 and M63 Patch Cables OGL
CFML21U Cannulae with Ø1.25 mm Ferrule and Ø200 µm Fiber 50 mm Scissor Cut
  • Cannulae with 2 mm long fiber are not compatible with our implant guides.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
CFML21L02 Support Documentation
CFML21L02Fiber Optic Cannula, Ø1.25 mm SS Ferrule, Ø105 µm Core, 0.22 NA, L=2 mm
$50.56
Today
CFML21L05 Support Documentation
CFML21L05Fiber Optic Cannula, Ø1.25 mm SS Ferrule, Ø105 µm Core, 0.22 NA, L=5 mm
$50.56
Today
CFML21L10 Support Documentation
CFML21L10Fiber Optic Cannula, Ø1.25 mm SS Ferrule, Ø105 µm Core, 0.22 NA, L=10 mm
$50.56
3 weeks
CFML21L20 Support Documentation
CFML21L20Fiber Optic Cannula, Ø1.25 mm SS Ferrule, Ø105 µm Core, 0.22 NA, L=20 mm
$50.56
Today
CFML21U-20 Support Documentation
CFML21U-20Uncleaved Fiber Optic Cannula, Ø1.25 mm Stainless Ferrule, Ø105 µm Core, 0.22 NA, 20 Pack
$570.19
Today

Cannula Implant Guide


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Cross Section Drawing of OGL with CFML22L05 Cannula (Not Included)

Click for Details
Implant Guide Assembly
  • Improves Adhesion and Stability During Implantation
  • Compatible with Ø1.25 mm Fiber Optic Cannulae with ≥5 mm Length
  • Ø3.8 mm Mounting Surface with Grooved Ring for Dental Cement
  • Lightweight Surgical Titanium Construction (0.09 g)
  • Weep Holes for Glue and 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 (0.09 g) which can be sterilized prior to use. The OGL implant guide is compatible with our standard Ø1.25 mm cannulae (ceramic and stainless steel). When assembled, the length of the protruding fiber is reduced by 1 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 OGL 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. Finally, attach the cannula ferrule to an XCL cannula holder.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
OGL Support Documentation
OGLImplant Guide for Ø1.25 mm Cannula
$19.68
Today
OGL-5 Support Documentation
OGL-5Implant Guide for Ø1.25 mm Cannula, Pack of 5
$83.43
Today