The Linear Microelectrode Array provides multiple contacts along one or more shanks, for acute or chronic experiments.
The LMA provides many possible alternatives of customized number of shanks, arrangement of electrode sites, simultaneous recording and stimulation and alternatives for drug delivery or optic stimulation.
Its rugged design and sharp tip allows for penetration of pial and dural membranes. It can be reused for multiple penetrations and experiments in acute settings.
The LMA has been developed to assist the neuroscience community with a probe that provides multiple contacts along one or more shanks.
The LMAs are fabricated using Polyimide insulated Platinum/Iridium wire that is uniquely threaded through Polyimide tubing. Holes in the Polyimide tube are formed by sophisticated laser drilling at precise intervals providing electrode spacing down to 75 microns.
There are 3 different configurations of the LMA in order to satisfy the varying experimental protocols for acute as well as chronic applications. These different configurations have been identified by designating the model numbers as follows:
LMA a single shank with up to 24 contact sites
LMA-MS having up to 4 shanks in the same plane with up to 24 contact sites on each shank OR having up to 16 shanks in a 3D array configuration (4×4) with up to 24 contact sites on each shank
LMA-FC which is similar to the LMA-MS except that the individual probes or probe pairs are tethered by a flexible cable design exclusively for chronic applications
The LMA single shank design has been designed to offer extreme versatility for both chronic and acute applications. Because of its rugged design characteristics it can be used for many experimental trials depending on the care in handling and following the cleaning instructions after each use. The LMA uses only biocompatible and it is very well suited for chronic applications as well.
The LMA-MS Multi-Shank design allows the researcher to specify up to 4 single shanks in the same plane or 16 shanks in a 3D array configuration. The shanks in the array can have the same design characteristics as the single shank design. The juxtaposition of each shank within the array is determined by the user specifications. It can be used for both acute and chronic applications as well.
The LMA-FC is also a multi-shank design; however, the probes or probe pairs are tethered by flexible silicone encapsulated cables, which will allow the individual shanks or pairs to be semi “floating” in brain for chronic applications.
Features
A shank may contain 4 to 24 contact sites.
Distance between electrode contacts ranges between 75 μm – 1 mm.
3D configuration with many shanks available.
Contact size diameters are 12.5, 25, 37.5, 50 μm.
Impedance values available between 0.1 – 1 MΩ.
Contact sites are made out of Platinum/Iridium.
Rugged design, reusable for multiple acute experiments.
Sharpened tungsten tip provides additional stiffness for easy penetration of the dural membrane.
Shank diameter depends of the contact site number and contact size.
For long shanks a SS tube may be integrated above the Polyimide shank, adding stiffness and durability to the LMA.
LMA designs are adaptable to a large number of connector types.
METAL TYPE
PLATINUM | IRIDIUM
APPLICATIONS
Single Unit LFP
Isolated preparations
Spinal cord
SUBJECTS
rat/mice feline birds Primates