Nanowire Photodetector Retinal Prosthesis on Flexible Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retinal prosthesis systems face limitations in achieving high image resolution and natural eye movement due to cumbersome external image sensors and complex wiring, as well as rigidity and difficulty in creating 3D micro electrode arrays on rigid substrates.
Innovation Solution
A retinal prosthesis system integrating a nanowire photodetector and micro electrodes on a flexible substrate, where the nanowire photodetector modulates light into electric signals and transmits them to micro electrodes for retina stimulation, allowing for high-density, flexible, and 3D micro electrode arrays that closely adhere to the eyeball.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an external camera is used as the image information acquisition device, then the system can acquire image information, but it becomes cumbersome and limits free activities of the human
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image sensor with the micro electrode array into a single integrated device structure. The image sensor is formed directly on the same substrate as the micro electrode array, eliminating the need for separate external cameras and complex wiring connections. This integration allows the device to be worn comfortably while maintaining full functionality for image acquisition and retinal stimulation.
2Measurement precision
If the micro electrode array has higher resolution, then image resolution improves, but the number of electrodes increases exponentially making wiring very complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the image sensor pixel array with the micro electrode array into a one-to-one correspondence structure. Each pixel in the image sensor directly corresponds to a micro electrode, eliminating the need for complex intermediate wiring. This integrated structure allows high-resolution imaging while maintaining simple electrical connections between the image sensor and micro electrode array.
3Ease of manufacture
If the substrate is rigid, then manufacturing is easier, but the micro electrode array cannot be flexibly adhered to the eyeball surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible substrate made of thin film materials that can be conformally adhered to the curved surface of the eyeball. The flexible substrate maintains ease of manufacturing through standard thin film deposition techniques while providing the necessary flexibility and conformability to match the eyeball's surface geometry, ensuring comfortable and effective wear.
4Reliability
If the image information acquisition device is worn on the body, then image information can be transmitted to the micro electrode array, but the wiring process becomes very complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image sensor and micro electrode array into a single integrated device with direct electrical connections. This integration eliminates the need for complex external wiring and signal transmission pathways, reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining reliable signal transmission from the image sensor to the micro electrode array for retinal stimulation.
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 high-resolution image acquisition and retina stimulation with reduced ophthalmodonesis, improved flexibility, and increased contact area between micro electrodes and retina cells, enhancing signal transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a nanowire photodetector located on the substrate and having at least one nanowire whose resistance varies according to an applied light
Data Source
AI summary
A retinal prosthesis system can comprise: a flexible substrate; a nanowire light detector which is placed on the substrate, and comprises one or more nanowires of which the resistance changes according to the applied light; one or more micro-electrodes which are placed on the substrate, are electrically connected to the nanowire light detector, and come in contact with retinal cells; and an electric power supply source for applying electric power to the nanowire light detector and the micro-electrodes. The retinal prosthesis system can be implemented into a very thin and flexible substrate type high resolution retinal system by manufacturing a nanowire light detector on a substrate in which micro-electrodes are implemented.