A Scalable Optoelectronic Neural Probe Architecture With Self-Diagnostic Capability

• Published in: IEEE transactions on circuits and systems. I, Regular papers Vol. 65; no. 8; pp. 2431 - 2442
• Main Authors: Zhao, Hubin, Soltan, Ahmed, Maaskant, Pleun, Dong, Na, Sun, Xiaohan, Degenaar, Patrick
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States IEEE 01.08.2018; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Active optrode; Circuits; Communications systems; Control equipment; Diagnostic systems; implantable; Light emitting diodes; Metal oxides; Miniaturization; neural stimulation; Optical pulses; Optical sensors; Optoelectronics; optogenetics; Photonics; Probes; Radiance; self-diagnostic; Shafts; Stimulated emission; Stimulation; self-diagnostic; implantable; Active optrode; neural stimulation; optogenetics
• ISSN: 1549-8328; 1558-0806
• DOI: 10.1109/TCSI.2018.2792219

There is a growing demand for the development of new types of implantable optoelectronics to support both basic neuroscience and optogenetic treatments for neurological disorders. Target specification requirements include multi-site optical stimulation, programmable radiance profile, safe operation, and miniaturization. It is also preferable to have a simple serial interface rather than large numbers of control lines. This paper demonstrates an optrode structure comprising of a standard complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor process with 18 optical stimulation drivers. Furthermore, diagnostic sensing circuitry is incorporated to determine the long-term functionality of the photonic elements. A digital control system is incorporated to allow independent multisite control and serial communication with external control units.