Multifiber Array Fabrication

Cut fibers into several ~3 cm pieces using the ThorLabs fiber scribe

Secure the grid to the Helping Hands using one of the clamps and paper tape

Under the microscope, load fibers into the desired holes in the first row of the grid. The design of these implants is completely flexible; our designs are meant to target the striatum with maximal coverage with no overlap in the collection fields of individual fibers.

Rotate the grid such that the fibers are now parallel to the lab bench.

Under the microscope, push/pull the fibers to the desired depths on the implanted side beneath the grid.

Rotate the grid such that the top is visible, and apply UV glue to the loaded holes

Under the microscope, push/pull the fibers to the desired depths on the implanted side beneath the grid.

Verify that the lengths are correct, and then cure.

Repeat steps 2-7 for the remainder of the rows. Note that we do this row by row, but column-by-column or hole-by-hole is possible.

Once all fibers are loaded and secured, gather the fiber distal ends into a ~1cm section of polyamide tube.

Fill the tube with instant glue and let dry.

Cut with a fresh razorblade – this cross-section is the imaging surface.

Polish first with the 6 micron polishing paper, and then the 3 micron to create a smooth, uniform fiber bundle surface for imaging.

Mount a large diameter post (this can be a blunted, sanded section of a needle) on one side of the grid to facilitate holding during implantation.

The overall idea will be to use the LED penlight to illuminate the implanted ends and note which fibers in the imaging surface are lit. Do this by sequentially uncovering one row at a time, and then one column at a time, such that each fiber in the imaging surface has a row and column coordinate in the grid. An example way to do this is as follows:

Flip the multifiber array upside down, so the implanted ends are upwards.

Mount the USB digital microscope camera underneath so you have a clear view of the imaging surface

Under the dissection microscope, using a piece of paper (material #14 above) bent to 90 degrees, slot it between the first and second rows such that rows 2 onwards are covered.

Shine the LED light on the exposed fibers and note (taking a picture is useful) the illuminated ends in the imaging surface

Now slot the piece of paper between rows 2 and 3, such that rows 1 and 2

are exposed, and rows 3 onward are covered, and repeat step 16.4 4

Repeat for the remainder of the rows

Repeat for the columns.