Optopatch - CAIRN RESEARCH - #1

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□ptopatch Patch Clamp Amplifier True CurrentClamp The Optopatch patch clamp amplifier from Cairn Research is a gênerai purpose bioiogical amplifier, incorporating a number of unique features in order to optimise its performance across a wide range of applications. The amplifier is desîgned for patch clamp recording. with the unique addition of a lock-in amplifier to enable measurement of membrane capacitance and résistance. This built in device has a unique "track-in" mode that keeps the lock-in amplifier in perfect balance, maintaining dis­crimination between résistance and capacitance and pro-viding linear calibrated résistance and capacitance out-puts. The Optopatch includes several other unique features, in-cluding our patented optical technique for measuring small currents over a wide bandwidth (up to 200 KHz], and circuitry for protection against overcompensation of séries résistance and électrode capacitance, safeguard-ing cells during recordings. □ Applications ■ Whole cell current voltage clamp recording ■ Single channel recording ■ High resolution capacitance measurement ■ Fast, high impédance amplifier □ Spécifications Optical headstage - The headstage has two current passing ranges (1nA & 100nA], each of which uses our patented optical technique for passing current. It has a true voltage follower mode that does not dégrade the per­formance in other configurations, and also incorporâtes a differential référence input to allow the use of multiple am-plifiers. An alternative headstage is available for up to 2nF capacitance compensation for large cells. For uttra-low noise recordings we have a "gold" version of the head­stage under development - please contact us for further détails. Optopatch - The patch clamp amplifier unit incorporâtes ail the faciliu'es expected on a modem patch clamp ampli­fier, with the several unique additions, including the built-in lock-in amplifier for membrane capacitance measure­ment [Pflugers Archiv (2009) 443. 653-663], and pro­tection against overcompensation of électrode capaci­tance and séries résistance. Additional standard features include an intégral sine / square wave signal generator, three résistance and capacitance ranges for higher réso­lution, and four pôle Bessel fittering. Gain and frequency telegraph outputs conform to the standards used by com­mercial electrophysiological software. ■ Voltammetry □ Key Benefits ■ Intégral lock-in amplifier for membrane capacitance measurement ■ Calibrated linear résistance S capacitance outputs ■ True voltage follower in current clamp mode ■ Differential référence input on headstage to allow use of multiple amplifiers ■ Unique cell protection against overcompensa­tion of séries résistance and électrode capaci­tance □ Other Features ■ Choice of four or eight pôle Bessel filtering ■ Gain and frequency telegraphing outputs ■ Electrode capacitance compensation of up to 15pF ■ Membrane capacitance compensation of up to 200pF with standard headstage ■ Optional external control of many functions Optopatch Headstage saies@cairn-research.co.uk tech@cairn-research.co.uk +44 [0] 1795 590140