Coherent MASER Brain Probing for Non-Invasive Neural Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for recording neural activity and neuromodulation are invasive, carrying risks such as inflammation, infection, and limited spatial and temporal resolution, while non-invasive techniques like rTMS have low resolution and unreliable mechanisms for deep brain areas.

Innovation Solution

A low-power (2-10 Watts) coherent phase-locked anisotropic microwave emission (MASER) system for non-invasive recording and neuromodulation, using a continuous wave MASER beam to create a 3D activity map based on interplay between a probe beam and resonant frequencies of molecules, enabling precise interaction with brain tissues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If invasive electrodes are implanted for neural recording, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to inflammation, infection, and surgical risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneural activity recording precisionVSAvoidinflammation and infection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical electrode implantation with a non-invasive microwave-based detection system. The MASER emits microwave radiation that penetrates the skull to detect neural activity through molecular resonance, eliminating the need for physical penetration of the skull and brain tissue, thereby avoiding inflammation, infection, and surgical risks while maintaining high measurement precision through molecular-level detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If non-invasive rTMS is used for neuromodulation, then object-affected harmful factors are reduced, but measurement precision and penetration depth worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinvasiveness and riskVSAvoidspatial and temporal resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the electromagnetic radiation from the low-frequency, non-coherent pulses used in rTMS to high-frequency, coherent microwave radiation generated by the MASER. This parameter change enables both deep penetration through the skull and high spatial-temporal resolution for neuromodulation, as the coherent microwave beam can be precisely focused and controlled at the molecular level while maintaining non-invasive operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If deep brain stimulation is used for precise neuromodulation, then effectiveness is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to invasive surgery requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneuromodulation effectivenessVSAvoidsurgical risks and inflammation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical implantation of deep brain stimulation electrodes with a non-invasive MASER-based system. The MASER generates coherent microwave radiation that can be precisely focused on deep brain targets through molecular resonance, achieving reliable neuromodulation effectiveness without requiring surgical implantation, thereby eliminating surgical risks and inflammation while maintaining treatment reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides high spatial and temporal resolution for recording neural activity and modulating specific brain areas, reducing risks associated with invasive methods and improving precision over non-invasive techniques like rTMS.

Implementation Method 1

low-power (2-10 Watts), coherent phase-locked anisotropic microwave emission, or MASER radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMASER (Microwave Amplified Stimulated Emission of Radiation): Maser

Implementation Method 2

interplay between a probe beam, resonant frequencies of molecules, and the interference patterns

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 3

interference patterns de-convolved when the probe beam with the reference beam are mixed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Implementation Method 4

activate, and inactivate targeted molecules for therapeutic purposes, or to disrupt targeted molecules so as to ablate tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric Heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11944839B2Acquisition of interferometric recordings of brain and neuron activity by coherent microwave probe with therapeutic activation, inactivation, or ablation of molecular, neuronal or brain targets

Publication Date: 2024.04.02 NEURADAPTIVE INC

AI summary

Low power MASER (Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) radiation is used to non-invasively record molecular activity in a biological object such as a brain. Low power MASER radiation is also used to neuromodulate molecular targets via Rabi coupling, resulting for example in conformational and function change in specific molecular targets such as ligand-gated ion channels, voltage-gated ion channels, G-proteins, or dopamine receptors. The method can be used to change the energy state of targeted molecules via energization or enervation, or to ablate targeted molecules.