The multielectrode manipulator “System Eckhorn” was developed in the laboratory of Prof. Dr. R. Eckhorn at the Department of Neurophysics, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany and successfully used for parallel independent insertion of fiber microelectrodes through the intact dura into the brain of chronically prepared cats and monkeys.

The 7 electrode Eckhorn microdrive allows to drive up to seven fiber microelectrodes (diameter=80µm) independently from each other to different depths of the brain. The max. electrode travel distance of each fiber microelectrode is up to 35mm (electrode travel extensions are possible and available on request!). A 7 channel low noise preamplifier is integrated in the microdrive metal chassis. The microelectrodes are completely shielded by the microdrive chassis (working like a Faraday cage) so that electrical interference from the laboratory environment does not cause noise problems. Due to the rubber tube driving principle of the Eckhorn Matrix it is possible to record neural signals while the electrodes are moving in brain tissue!

Product Description

• Vibration-free positioning of up to 16 quartz-platinum/tungsten microelectrodes in 1µm steps

• Patented rubber tube driving principle

• High positioning accuracy, due to lack of stiction and free motion

• Easy exchange and calibration of microelectrodes within minutes

• Advances up to 16 microelectrodes/tetrodes independently in 1µm steps up to 35.000µm (other electrode travel distances on request!)

• Xyz-manipulator travel-distance: z=0-30mm, x= ±10mm, y=±10mm

• Continuous low noise recording while the electrode scans the tissue at low velocity,

• No noise introduction in the recordings so that you can search active neurons in the brain

• No electrode connection cables free in air, no electrical noise pickup from environment (e.g. motors, radio stations)! Competitor drives pickup electrical interference from the environment so that you for example can hear radio station music or electrical artifacts from lab devices from the audio monitor loudspeaker instead of neural spikes!

• Electrode moving velocity adjustable (1-250µm/s), moving direction selectable

• Low noise 7 or 16 channel preamplifier is integrated into the microdrive chassis, system is completely shielded to avoid electrical noise pickup from the environment, three preamplifier operation modes: record, electrode impedance test, electrical stimulation/lesioning

• System is completely delivered with motor control device, integrated preamplifier, software, xyz-manipulator, chamber holder, exchangeable head, handheld remote control, etc.

• Exchangeable manipulator head allows manifold electrode configurations and interelectrode spacings

• Electrode spacings from 80µm up to some millimeters possible due to exchangeable Eckhorn Matrix heads

• The system is modular and adaptable to the end user´s requirements.

• The Eckhorn Matrix is usable for cortical as well as deep brain recordings in all kinds of research applications

• User friendly computer controlled system with LAN (local area network) communication via TCP/IP protocol between motor control unit and personal computer. Software package is part of the system.

• Using very thin shaft Thomas microelectrodes (outer diameter 80µm) causes minimal tissue damage.

• Different neurophysiological methods are available for the Eckhorn Matrix systems (e.g. optogenetics, microinjection)

Key Features

• Axial resolution better than 1μm, x-y-Positioning with a grid and special holder

• Patented rubber-tube drive, no hysteresis, slick or free motion due to patented rubber tube drive (avoids drawbacks of cable, direct or hydraulic driven systems)
  

• Electrode travel range up to 35.000μm

• Variable speed range from 0…250μm/s, higher velocity on request

• 7- and 16- channel Version available

• 28 or 64 channel Tetrode Versions available

• 49 or 112 channel Heptode Versions available

• No electrode connection cables free in air! Complete metal shield around all microelectrodes

• Suitable for cortical and deep brain recordings

• Very close electrode spacing available (down to 80μm)

• Different electrode arrangements available (linear, concentric, etc.)

• Integrated low noise preamplifiers

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