Multi-Probe Micromanipulator for Acute In-Vivo Recording

Developed in cooperation with leading neuroscience researchers, the Multi-Probe Micromanipulator (MPM) System allows for independent positioning of five or more probe arms in the smallest space, with ample clear area for a virtual task environment.

It is the first micromanipulator optimized for insertion of silicon probes for electrophysiology and optogenetics. Probe arms are easily mounted on a ring in either upright or inverted configuration on a standard laboratory table. A single USB connects up to five arms to a PC. Each probe arm has four degrees of freedom for initial pre-adjustment, and three axes of motorized motion for automated positioning. The motorized positioners allow precise control of x-y location and z insertion depth, automatically and independently moving each probe to the optimum location in the brain. Up to five micropositioners – a total of 15 axes of automated motion – are controlled from a single PC screen using the motion control software included with the system. It includes coarse, fine and insertion step modes with display of absolute and relative positions. The insertion mode disables the x and y axis motion. Optional joystick control is available.