Magneto-ionic Spintronic Nanodevice for High-Resolution Neurostimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neurostimulation technologies face challenges in precisely targeting nerve cells due to the need for strong magnetic fields, which result in low resolution and difficulty in directing stimulation to specific nerve cells, both in external and implantable systems.
Innovation Solution
A neuro-stimulation system utilizing a magneto-ionic stimulator with a stimulator controller that applies voltage to control the magnetic field strength, incorporating layers such as GdOx and Co, and employing spin orbit torque vortex stimulators to modulate magnetic fields at frequencies suitable for neuronal stimulation, achieving precise control over magnetic field oscillations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If strong magnetic fields are used in external magnetic stimulation, then the magnetic field can penetrate into the body, but the area affected by the magnetic fields increases resulting in low resolution stimulus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stimulation system into multiple independent micro-scale magnetic field sources (micro-coils or magnetic nanoparticles) that can be individually controlled. This segmentation allows each source to target specific nerve cells independently, achieving high-resolution stimulation without requiring strong overall magnetic fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating highly localized magnetic field sources at the micro-scale level. Each micro-source generates a confined magnetic field that affects only the immediate surrounding nerve cells, enabling precise spatial control and high-resolution stimulation while avoiding the need for strong global magnetic fields.
2Force
If strong magnetic fields are used in external magnetic stimulation, then the magnetic field can penetrate into the body, but it is difficult to direct the external magnetic field to only a select number of nerve cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic field generation into multiple independently controllable micro-sources. Each micro-source can be activated or deactivated individually, allowing precise selection and targeting of specific nerve cells or small groups of cells, thereby achieving high targeting precision without requiring strong magnetic fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates locally confined magnetic field sources that can be positioned and activated at specific locations near target nerve cells. This local quality enables selective stimulation of individual nerve cells or small populations, achieving high targeting precision while avoiding the need for strong penetrating magnetic fields.
3Measurement precision
If implantable magnetic stimulation probe is used, then magnetic field can be generated at the end of the probe to stimulate the nerve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical probe structures with simpler systems based on magnetic field generation through electrical current or magnetic nanoparticle manipulation. This substitution maintains the ability to generate localized magnetic fields for precise nerve stimulation while significantly reducing mechanical complexity and improving device simplicity.
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
The system enables precise neuronal stimulation with controlled magnetic field strengths and frequencies, effectively causing neurons to fire, improving resolution and specificity compared to prior art, and aligning with the optimal frequency range for neurostimulation.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage applied to the magneto-ionic stimulator is changed to change the strength of a magnetic field generated by the magneto-ionic stimulator such that an electric field is generated along the neuron
Implementation Method 2
The magneto-ionic stimulator produces a magnetic field that oscillates at a frequency less than 10 Hz
Implementation Method 3
The stimulator controller applies a positive voltage across the GdOx layer to cause hydrogen to appear at the boundary between the GdOx layer and the Co layer
Implementation Method 4
The stimulator controller applies a negative voltage across the GdOx layer to drive oxygen into the Co layer
Data Source
AI summary
A neuro-stimulation system includes a stimulator controller, a support surface, and a magneto-ionic stimulator positioned on the support surface and electrically connected to the stimulator controller. The stimulator controller can apply a voltage to the magneto-ionic stimulator, wherein a change in the voltage causes a change in a magnetic field produced by the magneto-ionic stimulator.