Low-Autofluorescence Multimode Patch Cables


  • Low-Autofluorescence for Fiber Photometry Applications
  • Ø200 or Ø400 µm Core, 0.50 NA Multimode Fiber
  • Stainless Steel Ferrules
  • Custom Patch Cables Options Available

MAF1L1

Patch Cable
Ø400 µm Core
with FC/PC Connectors

MAF2L1

Patch Cable
Ø400 µm Core
with FC/PC Connector
and Ø1.25 mm Ferrule

MAF4L1

Patch Cable
Ø200 µm Core
with FC/PC Connectors

MAF6L1

Patch Cable
Ø200 µm Core
with FC/PC Connector
and Ø2.5 mm Ferrule

Related Items


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Click to Enlarge

Click Here for Raw Data
Plot comparing the recovery of autofluorescence for a low-autofluorescence (AF) and standard patch cable after photobleaching at 470 nm for 12 hours. A previous-generation M470F3 LED was used for excitation and autofluorescence intensity at 525 nm was measured relative to the output power from the patch cable. 
Please note that these patch cables cannot be sterilized using an autoclave. Users can alternatively apply a light mist of an aqueous mixture containing Virkon™ disinfectant.

Features

  • Low-Autofluorescence* (AF) Multimode Fiber Patch Cables:
    • Ø200 µm or Ø400 µm Core
    • 0.50 NA 
  • Use in Fiber Photometry Applications with GFP (470 nm Excitation) and RFP (565 nm Excitation)
  • Operating Wavelength Range* (Click For Plot): 300 - 1200 nm
  • Connector Options:
    • 2.0 mm Narrow Key FC/PC Connector, Ø1.25 mm (LC) Ferrule, or Ø2.5 mm (FC) Ferrule on Specimen Side
    • 2.0 mm Narrow Key FC/PC Connector on Non-Specimen Side
  • Black Jacketing Minimizes Light Leakage
  • 1 m Cable Length
  • Contact Tech Sales with Custom Patch Cable Requests

These multimode patch cables are manufactured with components that reduce the emitted autofluorescence in the visible spectrum. This makes these patch cables suitable for fiber photometry applications where high sensitivity is required to measure the changes in fluorescence that indicate neural activity within a specimen. The design of these patch cables is based on testing of the autofluorescent properties of our patch cable components such as the bare fiber, ferrule types, and epoxies.

Each patch cable incorporates a Ø200 µm or Ø400 µm core, 0.50 NA multimode fiber (Item # FP200URT and FP400URT, respectively) and is available with one of three connector configurations. One end is equipped with an FC/PC connector with a 2.0 mm narrow key, while the other is equipped with a 2.0 mm narrow key FC/PC connector, Ø1.25 mm stainless steel ferrule, or a Ø2.5 mm stainless steel ferrule. Similar to our standard optogenetics patch cables, the patch cables with a ferrule end can be mated to a fiber optic cannula using an interconnect or mating sleeve; see the selection guide below for compatible products.

Each patch cable includes two protective caps that shield the ferrule ends from dust and other hazards when not in use. Additional plastic, metal, or threaded caps for the connector and ferrule ends are sold separately here. If the fiber ends become dirty from use, we offer a selection of inspection tools, as well as fiber optic cleaning products.

Photobleaching
For optimal performance during your experiment, low-autofluorescence patch cables should undergo a photobleaching procedure prior to use. This process saturates the fluorophores in the fiber and patch cable components, which minimizes autofluorescent emissions. Because the autofluorescence will eventually recover to a steady state value after photobleaching (as seen in the graph to the right), this process should be repeated each time the cable will be used in an experiment. Please see the Photobleaching tab for additional information on the needed equipment and procedure.

In our product testing, we compared the autofluorescence recovery of a low-autofluorescent patch cable to a standard patch cable. The graph to the right shows the measured autofluorescence relative to the output power for each test patch cable over a period of 36 days. We observe that the low-autofluorescent patch cable has a lower autofluorescence ratio immediately after photobleaching and also exhibits a slower recovery of autofluorescence over the test period. 

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. Cannulae and patch cables using Ø1.25 mm (LC) ferrules can be connected using the ADAL1 mating sleeve or ADAL3 interconnect. Patch cables and cannulae using Ø2.5 mm (FC) ferrules are compatible with the ADAF1 mating sleeve and ADAF2 interconnect.

*Low-autofluorescence was tested and verified for excitation at 470 nm and 565 nm. Performance may vary for excitation at other wavelengths. These patch cables can transmit light over the specified wavelength range of 300 - 1200 nm. 

Related Fiber Photometry and Optogenetics Products
Light Sources Patch Cables (Ø200 µm or Ø400 µm Core) Mating Cannulae Accessories
Fiber-Coupled LEDs
MM Laser, 473 nm
Standard (Ø200 µm Core and Ø400 µm Core)
Rotary Joint
Low-Autofluorescence
Interconnects
Mating Sleeves
Standard (Ø200 µm Core and Ø400 µm Core) Implant Guides
Cannula Holders


Click to Enlarge
Photo showing a setup for photobleaching a low-autofluorescence patch cable.

Example Photobleaching Procedure

Fiber photometry experiments measure fluorescence emitted from genetically-modified cells as an indicator of neural activity. To obtain the sensitivity needed for resolving the small changes in fluorescence emissions, noise from other sources, such as the optical patch cables, must be minimized. The most common fluorophore used in fiber photometry is green fluorescent protein (GFP) which is excited at wavelengths near 470 nm.

Photobleaching is a process where the fluorophores in a sample or material are saturated with light at the excitation wavelength. This makes it a useful technique for reducing the emitted autofluorescence in a patch cable prior to a fiber photometry experiment. We recommend that users photobleach their patch cables before each experiment. The steps below detail a general procedure that can be used.

  1. Choose a fiber-coupled LED with a wavelength that matches your experiment and that has adequate output power. 
  2. Connect the low-fluorescent patch cable to the LED and cover the fiber output to reduce the amount of stray light exiting the fiber.
  3. Set the LED output power to its maximum value.
  4. Allow the patch cable to be continuously exposed for at least 8 hours; time required may vary depending on the wavelength and output power of the LED.

Test Setup for Autofluorescence Measurement

In our performance testing, Thorlabs measured the emitted autofluorescence from these patch cables at an excitation wavelength of 470 nm. The experimental setup used is shown in the diagram below; click on the link below the diagram for a list of parts for excitation at 470 nm and measuring autofluorescence at 525 nm. 


Click to Enlarge
View Product List
Item #QtyDescription
LED Input (The Previous-Generation M470F3 was Also Used but is No Longer Available for Purchase)
LEDD1B1T-Cube LED Driver, 1200 mA Max Drive Current (Power Supply Not Included)
M76L011Ø400 µm, 0.39 NA, Low OH, FC/PC to SMA905 Fiber Patch Cable, 1 m Long
Dichroic Filter Cube
DFM11Kinematic Fluorescence Filter Cube for Ø25 mm Fluorescence Filters, 30 mm Cage Compatible, Right-Turning, 1/4"-20 Tapped Holes
F240FC-A3543 nm, f = 7.86 mm, NA = 0.51 FC/PC Fiber Collimation Pkg.
AD12F3SM1-Threaded Adapter for Ø12 mm, ≥0.35" (8.9 mm) Long Cylindrical Components
SM1CP21Externally SM1-Threaded End Cap
MF475-351FITC Excitation Filter, CWL = 475 nm, BW = 35 nm
MD4981GFP Dichroic Filter, Refl. Band = 452-490 nm, Trans. Band = 505-800 nm
MF525-391GFP Emission Filter CWL = 525 nm, BW = 39 nm
Detector
M124L011Ø400 µm, 0.50 NA, Low OH, FC/PC-FC/PC Fiber Patch Cable, 1 m Long
SM1A291SM1 Thread Adapter for Slim Photodiode Sensors
S120-FC1FC/PC Fiber Adapter Cap with Internal SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads, Wide Key (2.2 mm)
S130C1Slim Photodiode Power Sensor, Si, 400 - 1100 nm, 500 pW - 5 mW, Up to 500 mW with Filter
Schematic of autofluorescence measurement setup for 470 nm excitation. This setup used our previous-generation M470F3 fiber-coupled LED.

In this setup, a DFM1 dichroic filter cube is fitted with fiber collimators and imaging filters to direct light to and from the low-autofluorescence patch cable. Excitation light from the fiber-coupled LED is directed by the dichroic cube to the low-autofluorescence patch cable, which is left uncapped and open to air. Autofluorescent emissions at 525 nm in the patch cable are coupled through the fiber and dichroic filter to the S130C detector.

Using this setup, we measured the autofluorescence relative to the output power during the photobleaching process (graph below and to the left) and as the autofluorescence recovers after photobleaching (graph below and to the right). We observe that overnight exposure (>8 hours) greatly reduces the autofluorescence of the patch cable and that the recovery of a low-autofluorescence patch cable is slower than a standard patch cable.


Click to Enlarge

Click Here for Raw Data
Plot comparing the recovery of autofluorescence for a low-autofluorescence (AF) and standard patch cable after photobleaching at 470 nm for 12 hours. Autofluorescence intensity at 525 nm was measured relative to the output power from the patch cable. The test setup for measurement is shown to the right.

Click to Enlarge

Click Here for Raw Data
Plot of autofluorescence ratio (measured at 525 nm) versus photobleaching time at 470 nm. Autofluorescence intensity at 525 nm was measured relative to the output power from the patch cable. The test setup for photobleaching and measurement is shown to the right.

Posted Comments:
user  (posted 2020-10-06 07:06:01.357)
Hi, I am writing to ask a clarification regarding the low-autofluorescence fibers and a product request. a. Regarding autofluorescence: Is this aspect different from solarization? What I mean is that once you "photobleach" the fiber, you are inducing solarization to the fiber, so the light power emmited is reduced, so I assume also the recorded fluoresence in the photoreceiver. Have you controlled for this aspect in these quantifications? b. Beyond using the FP400URT fiber, which other aspects have been improved to make this construct "low-autofluorescence"? c. Do you have a 200um version of the fiber available? Thank you in advance. Kind regards.
YLohia  (posted 2020-10-09 04:52:52.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. A) Solarization refers to the formation of color centers within a fiber that lead to transmission degradation. These color centers form when exposed to light below 300 nm. Since we photobleach at 470nm, it won’t cause photodarkening. The fiber transmission will not drop due to photobleach. B) Other than the FP400URT fiber, we also use low-fluorescence epoxy and a stainless steel ferrule. C) Custom fiber patch cables can be requested by emailing techsupport@thorlabs.com or by clicking on the "Request Quote" button above. We will discuss the feasibility of offering this directly.
Emmanuel Labrada  (posted 2019-10-21 14:07:59.413)
Hi, we just got one of those to replace a broken cable and it's excellent, however we may need one longer, about 2 m long, probably we are ordering a custom one (actually a quote would be great), but would be better to have the option to just put it into the car. Thank you! Emmanuel
YLohia  (posted 2019-10-21 04:16:46.0)
Hello Emmanuel, thank you for your feedback. We are happy to hear that our Low-Autofluorescence Multimode Patch Cables are working well in your setup. Custom item quotes can be requested by emailing techsupport@thorlabs.com. I have reached out to you directly regarding your request.
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Ø200 µm, 0.50 NA, Low-Autofluorescence Multimode Patch Cables

Item # Fiber
Type
Wavelength
Rangea
Core
Diametera
Cladding
Diametera
Coating
Diametera
Numerical
Aperturea
Max Core
Offseta
Minimum Bend Radiusa
(Short Term / Long Term)
Connectors Jacket
MAF4L1 FP200URT 300 - 1200 nmb 200 ± 5 µm 225 ± 5 µm 500 ± 30 µm 0.50 5 µm 21 mm / 42 mm FC/PC to
FC/PC
Ø3 mm Black PVC
Furcation Tubing
MAF5L1 FC/PC to
Ø1.25 mm Ferrule
Ø1/16" Heatshrink
Tubing
MAF6L1 FC/PC to
Ø2.5 mm Ferrule
Ø2 mm Black PVC
Furcation Tubing
  • Specifications Based On Bare Fiber Data
  • Click for plot.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
MAF4L1 Support Documentation
MAF4L1Customer Inspired! Ø200 µm Core, 0.50 NA, FC/PC Low-Autofluorescence Patch Cable, 1 m Long
$213.77
3-5 Days
MAF5L1 Support Documentation
MAF5L1Customer Inspired! Ø200 µm Core, 0.50 NA, FC/PC to Ø1.25 mm Ferrule Low-Autofluorescence Patch Cable, 1 m Long
$218.54
3-5 Days
MAF6L1 Support Documentation
MAF6L1Customer Inspired! Ø200 µm Core, 0.50 NA, FC/PC to Ø2.5 mm Ferrule Low-Autofluorescence Patch Cable, 1 m Long
$219.68
3-5 Days
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Ø400 µm, 0.50 NA, Low-Autofluorescence Multimode Patch Cables

Item # Fiber
Type
Wavelength
Rangea
Core
Diametera
Cladding
Diametera
Coating
Diametera
Numerical
Aperturea
Max Core
Offseta
Minimum Bend Radiusa
(Short Term / Long Term)
Connectors Jacket
MAF1L1 FP400URT 300 - 1200 nmb 400 ± 8 µm 425 ± 10 µm 730 ± 30 µm 0.50 7 µm 43 mm / 86 mm FC/PC to
FC/PC
Ø3 mm Black PVC
Furcation Tubing
MAF2L1 FC/PC to
Ø1.25 mm Ferrule
Ø1/16" Heatshrink
Tubing
MAF3L1 FC/PC to
Ø2.5 mm Ferrule
Ø2 mm Black PVC
Furcation Tubing
  • Specifications Based On Bare Fiber Data
  • Click for plot.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
MAF1L1 Support Documentation
MAF1L1Customer Inspired! Ø400 µm Core, 0.50 NA FC/PC Low-Autofluorescence Patch Cable, 1 m Long
$218.76
3-5 Days
MAF2L1 Support Documentation
MAF2L1Customer Inspired! Ø400 µm Core, 0.50 NA FC/PC to Ø1.25 mm Ferrule Low-Autofluorescence Patch Cable, 1 m Long
$223.71
3-5 Days
MAF3L1 Support Documentation
MAF3L1Customer Inspired! Ø400 µm Core, 0.50 NA FC/PC to Ø2.5 mm Ferrule Low-Autofluorescence Patch Cable, 1 m Long
$224.92
3-5 Days