Compact Neural Probe with Integrated Waveguide and Photo Diode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neural probes face challenges in accurately controlling optical stimulation sites and measuring neural signals due to their size, which limits localized stimulation and simultaneous measurement across multiple areas, potentially causing nerve damage and restricting wide-range neural circuit research applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact neural probe structure with an integrated optical waveguide and photo diode, where the photo diode is formed in a concave shape to prevent protrusion and is accompanied by microelectrodes for electrical signal measurement, allowing for simultaneous optical and electrical neural signal recording with multiple fluorescence signal measurement capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an optical fiber and lens based optical signal measuring system is used, then optical neural stimulation can be achieved, but the probe size increases making it difficult to insert into desired location and simultaneously measure neural signals at many areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the optical waveguide, photo diode, and microelectrodes into a single compact probe structure. The optical waveguide is formed within the probe body, and the photo diode is integrated at the tip along with microelectrodes, merging multiple functional components into one unified device that enables both optical stimulation and electrical recording without requiring separate optical fiber and lens assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a bulk optical system (optical fiber with lens) to a planar integrated optical waveguide structure. The optical waveguide is formed as a thin integrated component within the probe body, utilizing two-dimensional integration rather than three-dimensional bulk optics, which dramatically reduces the probe size while maintaining optical functionality
2Ease of operation
If the probe size is reduced for easy insertion, then insertion ease is improved, but the ability to simultaneously measure neural signals at many areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates multiple microelectrodes arranged in an array at the tip, dividing the measurement function into multiple independent sensing elements. This segmentation allows simultaneous recording from multiple neural sites while maintaining a compact probe size that facilitates easy insertion into brain tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated probe structure combines optical waveguide for stimulation, photo diode for fluorescence detection, and multiple microelectrodes for electrical recording into a single multi-functional device. This universal design enables simultaneous optical and electrical neural signal measurement at multiple locations without requiring separate probes for each function
3Power
If electrical neural stimulation is applied using electrodes, then neural stimulation can be achieved, but nerve damage occurs and localized stimulation at desired part is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical stimulation electrodes with an optical waveguide system for neural stimulation. Instead of using electrical fields that can cause nerve damage and lack spatial precision, the system uses light delivered through the optical waveguide to activate optogenetically modified neurons, providing localized stimulation without the harmful effects of electrical currents in conductive neural tissue
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
Enables precise, localized optical neural stimulation and measurement of multiple fluorescence signals, reducing probe size and enhancing the ability to observe neural activity across various areas, suitable for diverse neural circuit research applications.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide extending along the probe from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a photo diode integrated in the probe to measure a fluorescence signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A neural probe structure includes a probe that is inserted into a subject, a body to support a rear end of the probe, at least one light source included in the body, a photo diode formed in the probe, and an optical waveguide extending from the at least one light source in the body to the photo diode of the probe, wherein the photo diode is formed at a smaller height than the optical waveguide.