Air Tables & Faraday Cages

Physiological experiments, such as electrophysiological recordings and imaging experiments, are susceptible to environmental factors that introduce noise to the signals. Predominant noise sources are mechanical vibrations and, in the case of electrophysiology, electromagnetic interference (EMI). The cleanest way of dealing with noise of any modality is to avoid it at the source rather than attempting to remove it from a noisy signal after the fact. This strategy avoids the risk of introducing filter artifacts or other unwanted effects. Air tables and Faraday cages are proven ways to eliminate noise caused by vibration and electromagnetic fields, respectively. Sutter Instrument now offers a series of vibration isolation tables from TMC Vibration Control with feature sets tailored for scientists who perform electrophysiological recordings, including patch clamp, microinjections, or imaging experiments that require the utmost stability.

Each air table comes with a state-of-the-art stainless steel, magnetic breadboard tabletop in either metric (M6 tapped holes on 25 mm centres) or imperial (¼-20 tapped holes on 1” centres) versions. Custom configurations and additional options are available on request. Please contact Sutter to discuss your specific requirements.

Electrophysiology and Microinjection Workstations

Patch clamp and other electrophysiological techniques share the same requirements for vibration isolation with most microinjection techniques. The AT-3036 Air Table will meet the needs of most electrophysiology and microinjection applications, providing excellent vibration isolation across the entire relevant spectrum. A perimeter enclosure prevents one from accidentally pushing the tabletop and carries a practical sliding shelf just above the work surface for easy access to control devices. Optional padded armrests conveniently attach to the front guardrail and provide support for the researcher who prefers using the eyepieces of the microscope over camera-and-monitor operation. If more space is required, e.g., if voluminous imaging equipment needs to be installed for combined patch clamp and imaging experiments, the AT-3648 Air Table offers additional room for these complex applications.

Options and Accessories

A set of retractable casters helps move the table during relocation or facilitates clean-up in the event of a spill. For most electrophysiology applications, the Faraday cage with wire mesh roll-up door is strongly recommended. An optional overhead U-shaped rear shelf is available for the cage to accommodate the components of a gravity perfusion setup or to provide storage for items that need to be easily accessible during the experiment.

Optical Tables

Imaging experiments, such as two-photon microscopy using Sutter’s MOM™ Moveable Objective Microscope®, typically require larger vibration isolation tables, but rarely need electromagnetic shielding. Three configurations of optical tables are available for these types of experiments: the models AT-48, AT-58 and AT-510. Each version is available as a stand-alone table or with casters.

Applications

• Electrophysiology
• Cellular and subcellular microinjection
• Photomicroscopy
• Videomicroscopy

Features

• Provides a stable, level base for your experimental setup
• Active air suspension maintains leveling
• Vertical and horizontal vibration isolation
• Available with metric or imperial tapped hole pattern
• Optional Faraday cage for low-noise electrophysiology applications
• Optional casters facilitate relocation and cleanup after a spill
• Optional accessories to meet your individual needs