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.
View the latest hardware projects at Allen Neural Dynamics Open Hardware Tools
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.
2" Optics Cubes
A rigid optomechanical assembly for mounting cameras, objective lenses, and dichroic mirrors for widefield microscopy (part ID #0170-000-00).
SLAP2 Enclosure
Light Blocking and Dust Removal Enclosure designed to enclose the backend of the SLAP2 microscope
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.
These documents are now all hosted with their latest versions on our new cloud CAD platform, OnShape.
- Headframes, clamps, tools, and templates can all be found at this OnShape Publicaition here
- SHIELD Implants, templates, and related tools can all be found at this OnShape Publication here
Please visit the archive for obsolete versions of parts previously listed in this table.
|
Name |
System |
Description |
Part Number |
File Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Universal |
Headframe-shank CAD template for creating custom headframes that are compatible with the Headframe Clamp |
0160-100-50 |
||
|
Surgical Tooling |
Adapter to scavenge waste anesthetic gases from procedure stations |
0209-110-00 |
||
|
Surgical Tooling |
Headframe Clamp for KOPF Model 1900 Stereotaxic Alignment System |
0111-400-00 |
||
|
Surgical Tooling |
Earbar Mount Headframe Clamp for KOPF Model 1900 Stereotaxic Alignment System baseplate, for cranial presentation |
0155-110-00 |
||
|
Surgical Tooling |
Headframe-shank mounted stylus for setting stereotax clamp (0111-400-00) location with respect to Bregma |
0251-900-04 |
||
|
Surgical Tooling |
SHIELD stamp tool for creating impression of implant (0251-160-01) in putty during coating process |
0251-900-26 |
||
|
Surgical Tooling |
Headframe-shank mounted Whole Hemisphere Implant Tracer |
0251-910-00 |
||
|
Neuropixels |
CAD Model Template for a Whole Hemisphere Implant with no holes |
0251-160-01 |
||
|
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 |
|
|
Surgical Tooling |
SHIELD Dual Hemisphere Implant stamp tool for creating impression of implant (0274-100-22) in putty during coating process |
0274-910-22 |
||
|
Surgical Tooling |
Headframe-shank mounted Dual Hemisphere Implant Tracer |
0274-122-00 |
||
|
Neuropixels |
CAD Model Template for a Dual Hemisphere Implant |
0274-100-22 |
||
|
Neuropixels |
Design specifications for titanium headframe and plastic retention well utilized with the SHIELD implant for dual hemisphere electrophysiological recordings |
0160-075-00 |
||
|
Neuropixels |
Design specifications for titanium headframe and plastic retention well utilized for visual cortex electrophysiological recordings |
0160-041-00 |
||
|
Neuropixels |
Design specifications for titanium headframe and plastic retention well utilized for experiemental procedures with access to both hemispheres |
0160-043-00 |
||
|
Multiphoton |
Design specifications for titanium headframe and plastic retention well utilized for visual cortex multiphoton physiological recordings |
0160-020-00 |
||
|
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 |
||
|
Multiphoton, Neuropixels |
Hardware designs required for assembling a running wheel in conjunction with other instrumentation. |
0107-020-00 |
Please visit the archive for obsolete versions of parts previously listed in this table.
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