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.
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.
A rigid optomechanical assembly for mounting cameras, objective lenses, and dichroic mirrors for widefield microscopy (part ID #0170-000-00).
Light Blocking and Dust Removal Enclosure designed to enclose the backend of the SLAP2 microscope
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.
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 |
|
Isoflurane Scavenging Scoop |
Surgical Tooling |
Adapter to scavenge waste anesthetic gases from procedure stations |
0209-110-00 |
|
Stereotax Mount Headframe Clamp |
Surgical Tooling |
Headframe Clamp for KOPF Model 1900 Stereotaxic Alignment System |
0111-400-00 |
|
Earbar Mount Headframe Clamp |
Surgical Tooling |
Earbar Mount Headframe Clamp for KOPF Model 1900 Stereotaxic Alignment System baseplate, for cranial presentation |
0155-110-00 |
|
Bregma Locating Stylus |
Surgical Tooling |
Headframe-shank mounted stylus for setting stereotax clamp (0111-400-00) location with respect to Bregma |
0251-900-04 |
|
SHIELD (Whole Hemisphere Implant) Placement Tracer |
Surgical Tooling |
Headframe-shank mounted Whole Hemisphere Implant Tracer |
0251-910-00 |
|
SHIELD (Whole Hemisphere Implant) Template |
Neuropixels |
CAD Model Template for a Whole Hemisphere Implant with no holes |
0251-160-01 |
|
Neuropixels Whole Hemisphere Headframe & Well |
Neuropixels |
Design specifications for titanium headframe and plastic retention well utilized with the SHIELD implant for whole hemisphere electrophysiological recordings |
0160-073-00 |
|
Neuropixels Visual Cortex Headframe & Well |
Neuropixels |
Design specifications for titanium headframe and plastic retention well utilized for visual cortex electrophysiological recordings |
0160-041-00 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
Head-fixed Mouse Behavior Platform |
Multiphoton, Neuropixels |
Hardware designs required for assembling a running wheel in conjunction with other instrumentation. |
0107-020-00 |
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