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Toolkit

Hardware

In the course of our research, we develop new and adapt existing designs for scientific instruments.  Whenever possible, we make these designs available to the broader research community. Below is access to selected design files for custom hardware that has been developed for use in-house, or in partnership with collaborators.

 

Refer to the Terms of Use included in the dowloadable package for each specific system or instrument.  We welcome your feedback and encourage you to share your applications of these tools via our Community Forum.   

Neuropixels

A novel high-density neural recording device; Neuropixels probes take advantage of CMOS technology to pack nearly 1000 electrodes onto a shank thinner than a human hair. Neuropixels are utilized in a project conducted in the Allen Brain Observatory, in which spiking activity is recorded from neurons throughout the mouse visual system.

Neuropixels probes are manufactured by imec and can be ordered from the Neuropixels.org site, with detailed usage information available on the Neuropixels wiki and the Open Ephys wiki. Refer to the Terms of Use through Neuropixels.org.

Publication | Example of use

2" Optics Cubes

A rigid optomechanical assembly for mounting cameras, objective lenses, and dichroic mirrors for widefield microscopy (part ID #0170-000-00).

Publication  |  Download files

SLAP2 Enclosure

Light Blocking and Dust Removal Enclosure designed to enclose the backend of the SLAP2 microscope

Example of use  |  Download files

Animal Procedure Accessories

Custom instrumentation has been created for specialized research purposes at the Allen Institute, such as integrated imaging, behavior and recording studies. These instruments are used by trained personnel in accordance with IACUC approved protocols.  Refer to Terms of Use and limitations for all items.

Please visit the archive for obsolete versions of parts previously listed in this table. 

Name

System

Description

Part Number

File Access

Headframe Template

Universal

Headframe-shank CAD template for creating custom headframes that are compatible with the Headframe Clamp

0160-100-50

Download

Isoflurane Scavenging Scoop

Surgical Tooling

Adapter to scavenge waste anesthetic gases from procedure stations

0209-110-00

Download

Stereotax Mount Headframe Clamp

Surgical Tooling

Headframe Clamp for KOPF Model 1900 Stereotaxic Alignment System

0111-400-00

Download

Earbar Mount Headframe Clamp

Surgical Tooling

Earbar Mount Headframe Clamp for KOPF Model 1900 Stereotaxic Alignment System baseplate, for cranial presentation

0155-110-00

Download

Bregma Locating Stylus

Surgical Tooling

Headframe-shank mounted stylus for setting stereotax clamp (0111-400-00) location with respect to Bregma

0251-900-04

Download

SHIELD (Whole Hemisphere Implant) Stamp Tool

Surgical Tooling

SHIELD stamp tool for creating impression of implant (0251-160-01) in putty during coating process

0251-900-26

Download

SHIELD (Whole Hemisphere Implant) Placement Tracer

Surgical Tooling

Headframe-shank mounted Whole Hemisphere Implant Tracer

0251-910-00

Download

SHIELD (Whole Hemisphere Implant) Template

Neuropixels

CAD Model Template for a Whole Hemisphere Implant with no holes

0251-160-01

Download

SHIELD Neuropixels Whole Hemisphere Headframe & Well - Version 2

Neuropixels

Design specifications for titanium headframe and plastic retention well utilized with the SHIELD implant for whole hemisphere electrophysiological recordings - Version 2 - Ring style. Obsoletes Version 1.

0160-073-00

Download

SHIELD (Dual Hemisphere Implant) Stamp Tool

Surgical Tooling

SHIELD Dual Hemisphere Implant stamp tool for creating impression of implant (0274-100-22) in putty during coating process

0274-910-22

Download

SHIELD (Dual Hemisphere Implant) Placement Tracer

Surgical Tooling

Headframe-shank mounted Dual Hemisphere Implant Tracer

0274-122-00

Download

SHIELD (Dual Hemisphere Implant) Template

Neuropixels

CAD Model Template for a Dual Hemisphere Implant

0274-100-22

Download

SHIELD Neuropixels Dual Hemisphere Headframe & Well

Neuropixels

Design specifications for titanium headframe and plastic retention well utilized with the SHIELD implant for dual hemisphere electrophysiological recordings

0160-075-00

Download

Neuropixels Visual Cortex Headframe & Well

Neuropixels

Design specifications for titanium headframe and plastic retention well utilized for visual cortex electrophysiological recordings

0160-041-00

Download

Experimental Headframe & Well

Neuropixels

Design specifications for titanium headframe and plastic retention well utilized for experiemental procedures with access to both hemispheres

0160-043-00

Download

Multiphoton Visual Cortex Headframe & Well

Multiphoton

Design specifications for titanium headframe and plastic retention well utilized for visual cortex multiphoton physiological recordings

0160-020-00

Download

Headframe Clamp Assembly

Multiphoton, Neuropixels

Hardware designs for a clamping system used to position mice in a reproducible stereotaxic location, in conjunction with other instrumentation.

0160-310-00

Download

Head-fixed Mouse Behavior Platform

Multiphoton, Neuropixels

Hardware designs required for assembling a running wheel in conjunction with other instrumentation.

0107-020-00

Download

 

Please visit the archive for obsolete versions of parts previously listed in this table.