Pulsed Infrared Laser Neural Stimulation Spatial Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical neural stimulation has limitations in spatial precision and can mask relevant neuronal signals due to electrical field spread and stimulation artifacts, making it inadequate for precise neural activation in the central nervous system.
Innovation Solution
Infrared neural stimulation (INS) using pulsed infrared lasers is applied to the central nervous system, allowing for precise activation of neural tissues by penetrating to specific depths and evoking responses from targeted regions without electrical field spread, utilizing wavelengths and parameters optimized for the CNS to achieve either inhibitory or excitatory responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical stimulation is used to activate neurons, then neural activation can be achieved, but spatial precision deteriorates due to electrical field spread
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical stimulation with optical stimulation using pulsed infrared lasers. This substitution eliminates the electrical field spread problem inherent in electrical stimulation while maintaining the ability to activate neurons. The optical method provides superior spatial precision because light can be focused to a specific target without the diffuse field spread characteristic of electrical currents in tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes specific infrared wavelengths (1.0-2.2 μm) that optimize penetration depth and absorption characteristics in neural tissue. By carefully selecting and controlling laser parameters including wavelength, pulse duration (10 μs to 10 ms), and radiant exposure, the system achieves precise spatial targeting while avoiding the field spread issues of electrical stimulation.
2Reliability
If electrical stimulation is applied, then neural activation occurs, but stimulation artifacts are generated that mask relevant neuronal signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical stimulation with optical stimulation to eliminate stimulation artifacts. Electrical stimulation generates large voltage transients and current artifacts that contaminate recorded neuronal signals. Optical stimulation using infrared lasers does not produce such electrical artifacts, allowing clean recording of neuronal responses without masking interference.
3Length of stationary object
If infrared laser penetration depth is increased, then deeper neural tissue can be stimulated, but spatial precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs wavelength optimization to balance penetration depth and spatial precision. Infrared wavelengths between 1.0-2.2 μm are selected based on their absorption and scattering properties in neural tissue. Longer wavelengths within this range provide greater penetration depth, while the system maintains spatial precision through controlled beam focusing and appropriate pulse parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts laser parameters including wavelength, pulse duration, and radiant exposure based on the target depth and desired spatial precision. This dynamic parameter optimization allows the system to stimulate deeper tissue while maintaining adequate spatial resolution by compensating with adjusted beam characteristics.
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
INS provides high spatial precision and minimally invasive neural stimulation, effectively evoking targeted responses in the CNS without causing damage, allowing for localized inhibition or excitation of neural activity, which can be sustained over multiple trials.
Implementation Method 1
applying a pulsed infrared laser at a stimulation site in the central nervous system (CNS); evoking responses from a region of interest of the CNS that is at or adjacent to the stimulation site by the pulsed infrared laser
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method of applying infrared neural stimulation (INS) to the central nervous system (CNS) of a target. The methods includes applying a pulsed infrared laser at a stimulation site in the CNS; and evoking responses from a region of interest of the CNS that is at or adjacent to the stimulation site by the pulsed infrared laser. In the method, the pulsed infrared laser penetrates a predetermined penetration depth of the stimulation site. Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus for applying INS to the CNS of a target. The apparatus includes a generator generating a pulsed infrared laser, which penetrates a predetermined penetration depth of a stimulation site to evoke a response from the CNS, and an optical medium adapted for delivering the pulsed infrared laser at the stimulation site of the CNS.