Hybrid head cap for mouse brain studies

Abstract. In this thesis, I present a hybrid head cap in combination with non-invasive multi-channel Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to measure brainwaves on mice’s scalps. Laboratory animal research provides insights into multiple potential applications involving humans and other animals. An experimental framework that targets laboratory animals can lead to useful transnational research if it strongly reflects the actual application environment. The non-invasive head cap with three electrodes for EEG and two optodes for NIRS is suggested to measure brainwaves throughout the laboratory mice’s entire brain region without surgical procedures. The suggested hybrid head cap aims to ensure stability in vivo monitoring for mouse brain in a non-invasive way, similarly as the monitoring is performed for the human brain. The experimental part of the work to study the quality of the gathered EEG and fNIRS signals, and usability validation of the head cap, however, was not completed in the planned time frame of the thesis work

Self-Powered Broadband Photodetector using Plasmonic Titanium Nitride

We report the demonstration of plasmonic titanium nitride (TiN) for fabrication of an efficient hybrid photodetector. A novel synthesis method based on plasma nanotechnology is utilized for producing air stable plasma polymerized aniline-TiN (PPA-TiN) nanocomposite and its integration in photodetector geometry. The device performs as a self-powered detector that responds to ultraviolet and visible light at zero bias. The photodetector has the advantage of broadband absorption and outcomes an enhanced photoresponse including high responsivity and detectivity under low light conditions. This work opens up a new direction for plasmonic TiN-based hybrid nanocomposite and its exploitation in optoelectronic applications including imaging, light-wave communication and wire-free route for artificial vision