The worlds smallest and most lightweight single tetrode system

Description

The Thomas Tetrode Micro Matrix is a small and lightweight microdrive system for electrode and tetrode recordings. The system consists of a single miniaturized microdrive system, which is equipped with a single tetrode or single core microelectrode. A four channel preamplifier and a precision motor is integrated in the single drive system shown in figure 1.

Figure 1: Size of a Thomas Tetrode Micro Matrix in comparison to a 9V Battery

The new microdrive system has a lot of advantages in contrast to competitors products: (1) Each tetrode/electrode is compley shielded against noise pickup from the environment; (2) The patented rubber tube drive does not cause any slick or free motion like cable or hydraulic or thread rod driven microdrive systems;  (3) Adaptation to different electrode travel distances for cortical or deep brain recordings; (4) Modular system; (5) Networkable software to control one recording setup with up to 16 tetrodes from different workstations by more than one neuroscientist; 
(6) System uses thin microelectrodes with high recording quality (e.g. Thomas electrodes or tetrodes); (7) Low price; (8) Relatively small size and weight; (9) Easy setup and many features more.

Related Publications
[1] Eckhorn R., Thomas U.
A new method for the insertion of multiple microprobes into neural and muscular tissue, including fiber electrdoes, fine wires, needles and microsensors
Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 49 (1993) 175-179

Technical Data
Table 1: Technical Data of the Thomas Tetrode Micro Matrix
Feature              Standard Specification     
Electrode travel     10.000μm     
Resolution           1μm     
Preamplifier         4 channel / 1 channel     
Drive principle      Patented Thomas rubber tube drive     
The Thomas Tetrode Micro Matrix is a very lightweight and flexible drive solution for Thomas microelectrodes and tetrodes. It is a modular microdrive concept. One can mount multiple of these drives simultaneously on a recording chamber like shown in figure 2 or just one drive like shown in figure 3.

Figure 2: Multiple Thomas Tetrode Micro Matrix drives mounted on one recording chamber

Figure 3: A single Thomas Tetrode Micro Matrix mounted on a recording chamber

It is possible to adapt the Thomas Tetrode Micro Matrix to other stereotaxic instruments. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a custom-made adaptation of the Thomas Tetrode Micro Matrix System to your special recording setup!

Features

High precision & quality “Made in GERMANY” by Thomas RECORDING
Axial resolution better than 1μm, x-y-Positioning with a grid or xyz manipulator
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)
Flexible electrode travel range by chassis extension
Variable speed range from 0...250μm/s, higher velocity on request
No 50/60Hz noise pickup from the environment
No electrode connection cables free in air!
Integrated 4 channel tetrode preamplifiers
Custom made solutions for each recording application
Stable long-term recordings with thin microelectrodes for hours