FAST, PRECISE, AND SAFE MOUNTING OF DELICATE SILICON PROBES

New Scale’s MPM Probe Mounts enable fast and safe mounting of silicon neural probes onto the manipulator stages of an MPM Multi-Probe Micromanipulator System. We develop probe mounts in collaboration with silicon probe manufacturers and users. MPM probe mounts are designed to fit more probes into tight spaces with the MPM System. MPM probe mounts are available for:

Neuropixels 1.0 probes

MPM-Probe Mount-1As holds one Neuropixels 1.0 probe.  By clamping the probe PCB, this holder maximizes the number of probes that can be used in a small space and minimizes the potential for collisions. An alignment fixture simplifies probe alignment. See the step-by-step guide.

Neuropixels 2.0 probes

MPM-Probe Mount-NP2a holds one or two Neuropixels 2.0 (alpha phase) probes. An alignment fixture simplifies probe alignment.  Watch the demo.

NeuroNexus and Cambridge Neurotech

We offer holders for NeuroNexus A32/OM32, A32/HS36, and A64 probes and Cambridge Neurotech probes.

Optical fibers

Learn about using the reference probe as a holder to position optical fibers for optogenetics.

Syringes and custom probes

Ask us about holders for syringes and custom probes.

Alignment fixtures simplify mounting and alignment

New Scale’s alignment fixture (for Neuropixels probes) simplifies the process of installing probes in the probe holders and attaching the head stage PCBs.

Due to manufacturing variations in the circuit boards of the Neuropixels probes, researchers often need to add shims between the circuit board and probe holder to achieve proper alignment. The alignment fixture has been demonstrated to be an excellent tool for achieving proper alignment and minimizing the risk of probe damage.

Reference probes: Safe pre-alignment during setup

All probe mounts come with a steel reference probe to minimize risk of damage to delicate silicon probes while setting up experiments. Use the reference probe while making initial adjustments of the MPM System manipulator arms, using the VCS software to determine probe angles and insertion paths. Once the manipulator arms are in place, simply swing each arm up to replace the reference probe with a silicon probe. Return the arm to its target position using the repeatable stops.