3/4 inch fiber-optic strand with polished ends (for source, see below)
closed end capillary 1 mm diam.
aluminum rod 2mm x 5 inches
superglue
tape
2 microscope slides 1 inch x 3 inches
small, steady flame (for example, a well-shielded pilot from Touch-o-matic burner)
small, non-serrated forceps (Millipore is preferable)
toothpick with Parafilm tip
Might need hacksaw or bolt cutter
Protocol:
Make a right angle bend 3/8 inch from closed
end of capillary tube. With the capillary tube secured to a horizontal
support, heat the bend point with the tip of the flame. As the glass
softens, the tip will fall by gravity straight down into the flame.
Remove the flame.
This step is optional, but will reduce shadow. Stretch out the
short closed-end segment to make it thinner. Direct the flame to the
middle (not at the bend!) of the short segment. Grasp the closed-end
tip with forceps and pull it gently and deliberately. Keep your line
straight to preserve the 90 degree angle. Cut off excess glass to
leave a suitable length of 5/16 to 1/2 inch.
Place the capillary tube parallel to the aluminum rod so that the
bent end extends 1 inch beyond the rod. Tape them together. One short
piece of tape is enough.
Check the length of your two-part needle support. Measure the
distance between the viewing site of your microscope and the
micromanipulator holder. Shorten your rod if necessary using a
hacksaw or bolt cutter.
Attach a fiber optic strand to the short bent segment of the
capillary tube using superglue.
Working under good light, place a fiber optic strand on a glass
slide. Strands are handled conveniently with forceps or a
Parafilm-tipped toothpick. If convenient, check under low power
(40-50X) magnification to be sure the ends are squared off (not
broken).
Move the fiber so that one end extends into open air beyond the
edge of the slide, or even slants down off the slide. The opposite
end will be the working tip.
Apply a drop of super-glue to the second slide, and moisten the
capillary bent segment in it. Bring the glue-moistened segment
parallel to the optic fiber so that the bend meets it about 1/8 inch
from the non-working end (the end off the slide). On contact, the
fiber will attach by surface tension. Caution: Avoid touching the
slide with glue - the fiber may stick to the slide! And avoid getting
glue on the bottom end of the fiber - light transmission will be
impaired (but the needle will still function).
Adjust the angle and height of the fiber needle.
While the glue is still moist, you can make small adjustments with a toothpick or your fingertip. Try to perfect the right angle. The distance from the bend to working tip should be a little over 1/2 inch.
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