Flexible Optical Neural Implant for Wide-Field Cortical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical neural interrogation devices face limitations in miniaturization, field of view, and spatial selectivity, with conventional systems being bulky and unable to cover large cortical areas without causing significant tissue immune response.
Innovation Solution
An integrated, flexible, all-optical neural interrogation apparatus with a 2D planar array of optical photodetectors on a CMOS chip, including single-photon avalanche photodiodes and 3D integrated micro-LEDs, enables cellular fluorescence imaging and optogenetics with wireless power and data telemetry, conforming to brain curvature and minimizing implant size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional optical systems are miniaturized, then device size is reduced, but field of view is limited to mm2 ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D planar sensor arrays to a 3D volumetric sensor array that captures light at multiple depths simultaneously. This dimensional transformation enables the device to maintain a compact form factor while achieving a large field of view by exploiting the third dimension (depth) for volumetric neural interrogation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array is divided into multiple depth layers, with each layer capturing signals from specific cortical depths. This segmentation allows the system to interrogate different neural layers independently while maintaining a compact overall device structure, resolving the contradiction between small device size and large field of view.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple miniscopes are used to cover large cortical areas, then coverage area is increased, but packaging size and head-mounting footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional capabilities (fluorescence imaging, optogenetics stimulation, and volumetric sensing) into a single integrated miniscope device. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate miniscopes, reducing the overall packaging size and head-mounting footprint while maintaining comprehensive cortical coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates both imaging and optogenetic stimulation capabilities in a single platform, allowing it to perform multiple neural interrogation functions simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate devices needed and minimizes the footprint of the head-mounting structure.
3Area of stationary object
If wide-field excitation is used, then field of view is increased, but spatial selectivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs locally controlled light sources (micro-LEDs) that can be selectively activated at different positions and depths. This local quality approach enables the system to maintain a large field of view while achieving high spatial selectivity by activating only the specific local region needed for interrogation or stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
By adding the depth dimension through volumetric sensing and 3D light source positioning, the system achieves spatial selectivity without sacrificing field of view. The ability to target specific depths allows precise local interrogation while maintaining comprehensive cortical coverage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates cellular fluorescence imaging over large 3D cortical volumes with high resolution and spatial selectivity, reducing tissue immune response and enabling chronic applications with a compact, lightweight design.
Implementation Method 1
neuronal activity can imaged based on at least one optical reporter, wherein the at least one optical reporter includes at least one of a genetically-encoded Calcium or voltage-dependent fluorescent protein, a bioluminescence protein, a chemical fluorescent reporter, or a fluorescent nanoparticle reporter
Implementation Method 2
the exemplary apparatus can further comprise light emitting diodes (''LEDs'') for the fluorescence excitation of the tissue
Implementation Method 3
the optical photodetectors can be single-photon avalanche photodiodes (''SPADs'')
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide for an integrated, flexible, implantable, optical neural interrogation apparatus, computer-accessible medium, system, and method for use thereof. An integrated, flexible, fully-implantable, all-optical neural interrogation apparatus can include, e.g., a 2-dimensional (2D) planar array of optical photodetectors on an integrated electronic chip, the integrated electronic chip including control logic and image-capturing electronic circuitry, an amplitude or phase optical imaging mask for imaging, and a biocompatible packaging.