A practical vibration isolation workstation for electrophysiology

Vibration control is a major concern in electrophysiological research, particularly during intracellular recording where movements of only a few micrometers may disrupt the cell membrane. The workstation described here is based on the concept of a table nested within a second table. The inner table supports a vibration-isolated surface while the outer table provides protection and a bench-top for equipment. The work surface is supported on squash balls in order to avoid the substantial cost of passive commercial isolators. The properties of the squash ball isolators were found to be similar to a set commercial isolators when compared with respect to impulse response, compliance and transmissibility. The table has been successfully used for both intra- and extracellular recording over a 3-year period. Work efficiency was enhanced by the close proximity of the bench-top and isolated work surface, while perimeter protection helped maintain stable recordings.