A CMOS-based neural implantable optrode for optogenetic stimulation and electrical recording

This paper presents a novel integrated optrode for simultaneous optical stimulation and electrical recording for closed -loop optogenetic neuro-prosthetic applications. The design has been implemented in a commercially available 0.35μm CMOS process. The system includes circuits for controlling the optical stimulations; recording local field potentials (LFPs); and onboard diagnostics. The neural interface has two clusters of stimulation and recording sites. Each stimulation site has a bonding point for connecting a micro light emitting diode (μLED) to deliver light to the targeted area of brain tissue. Each recording site is designed to be post-processed with electrode materials to provide monitoring of neural activity. On-chip diagnostic sensing has been included to provide real-time diagnostics for post-implantation and during normal operation

High speed single pixel imaging with advanced microLED digital light projector

We demonstrate high speed single pixel imaging using an advanced microLED-on-CMOS array. We show 128x128 pixel image reconstruction at an effective frame rate of 3.8fps and lower resolution reconstructions at over 120fps. The method is demonstrated to be compatible with common compressive imaging techniques

An optrode with built-in self-diagnostic and fracture sensor for cortical brain stimulation

This paper proposes a self-diagnostic subsystem for a new generation of brain implants with active electronics. The primary objective of such probes is to deliver optical pulses to optogenetic tissue and record the subsequent activity, but lifetime is currently unknown. Our proposed circuits aim to increase the safety of implanting active electronic probes into human brain tissue. Therefore, prolonging the lifetime of the implant and reducing the risks to the patient. The self-diagnostic circuit will examine the optical emitter against any abnormality or malfunctioning. The fracture sensor examines the optrode against any rapture or insertion breakage. The optrode including our diagnostic subsystem and fracture sensor has been designed and successfully simulated at 350nm AMS technology node and sent for manufacture

Gain enhancement of circular waveguide antennas using near-zero index metamaterials

In this article, a rigorous analytical methodology is introduced for designing near-zero refractive index metamaterials (NZIMs). Our proposed NZIM media is realized by three stacked layers of perforated metallic surfaces, each layer composed of a fishnet-like periodic array of square holes. By a proper design of such structures, a low refractive index medium is achieved at their corresponding plasma frequency. The low refractive index property is studied by retrieving the effective parameters of NZIM via inversion techniques, which gives an effective near-zero refractive index, at an operating frequency of 1.5 GHz. Then, the designed NZIM is used for gain enhancement of a circular waveguide antenna. The analysis shows that the proposed platform can enhance the directivity of our antenna by 3 dB while maintaining the return loss <−20 dB. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Smart Optrode for Neural Stimulation and Sensing

Implantable neuro-prosthetics considerable clinical benefit to a range of neurological conditions. Optogenetics is a particular recent interest which utilizes high radiance light for photo-activation of genetic cells. This can provide improved biocompatibility and neural targeting over electrical stimuli. To date the primary optical delivery method in tissue for optogenetics has been via optic fibre which makes large scale multiplexing difficult. An alternative approach is to incorporate optical micro-emitters directly on implantable probes but this still requires electrical multiplexing. In this work, we demonstrate a fully active optoelectronic probe utilizing industry standard 0.35μm CMOS technology, capable of both light delivery and electrical recording. The incorporation of electronic circuits onto the device further allows us to incorporate smart sensors to determine diagnostic state to explore long term viability during chronic implantation