My lab uses the Plexon optogenetic system, but we had an issue during our first experiment with the patch cable twisting, then breaking, resulting in a huge loss of light output. In addition, our mice do not seem to generate enough force to rotate the mounted commutator. Has anyone else had this issue/does anyone have a picture of their setup? Any help is appreciated.
I've never worked with Plexon systems, but their commutators seem really tough to rotate. I am currently using rotary joints from Doric to prevent this fiber-twisting problem and it works really well
http://doriclenses.com/life-sciences/193-fiber-optic-rotary-joints
There are several kinds of rotary joints designed for optogenetic experiments. Doric Lenses, Mightex Systems, Prizmatix and Thorlabs are manufacturing FoRJs (Fiberoptic Rotary Joints) suited to experiments on freely moving animals.
https://www.openoptogenetics.org/index.php?title=Fiberoptic_Rotary_Joints
