Optical Neural Probe with Integrated LED for High-Resolution Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neural probes face challenges in achieving high spatial and temporal resolution for stimulating and recording neuronal activity due to bulkiness and poor spatial resolution of electrical stimulation methods, and difficulties in accurately targeting neurons with hybrid optical-electrical structures.
Innovation Solution
A slim, compact optical neural probe design featuring a light-emitting diode (LED) light source integrated into the tip, combined with recording electrodes positioned near the light emission region, allowing for precise stimulation and recording of neuronal responses using visible and non-visible light, with optional variations for simultaneous or sequential stimulation across multiple sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an optical fiber is attached to a probe shank as the optical source, then optical stimulation capability is achieved, but the probe becomes bulky because the size of the optical fiber is comparable to the size of the probe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical source (LED) directly with the probe shank structure, integrating both components into a single compact unit. This eliminates the need for a separate optical fiber attachment, thereby maintaining optical stimulation capability while significantly reducing the overall probe volume and avoiding the bulkiness associated with hybrid fiber-probe structures
Solution Approach 2:
The probe shank is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the structural support and the mounting platform for the LED optical source. This multi-functional design allows the probe to achieve optical stimulation capability without requiring additional components that would increase its size
2Adaptability or versatility
If a hybrid structure with optical fiber is used, then optical stimulation is possible, but the structure is difficult to be accurately assembled and makes it difficult to control the target stimulation position
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the LED directly onto the probe shank rather than attaching an optical fiber, the patent eliminates the complex alignment and assembly procedures required for hybrid structures. This integration ensures precise and consistent positioning of the optical source relative to the target neurons, thereby improving manufacturing precision and stimulation position control
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated LED-probe structure is self-aligning by design, requiring no additional assembly steps for positioning the optical source. The fixed integration ensures that the stimulation position is precisely controlled without relying on complex assembly procedures or external alignment mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical signals are used to stimulate neurons, then stimulation capability is achieved, but electrical fields extend across large areas causing poor spatial resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical stimulation mechanism with an optical stimulation mechanism using an LED light source. This substitution allows for highly localized stimulation at the probe tip with precise spatial resolution, as light can be focused to a small area unlike electrical fields that naturally spread across larger regions
Solution Approach 2:
The optical stimulation approach enables highly localized delivery of stimulation energy precisely at the target neuron location. The LED can be positioned to illuminate a specific small region, providing superior spatial resolution compared to electrical stimulation where current spreads through conductive media over larger areas
4Adaptability or versatility
If electrical signals are used to stimulate neurons, then stimulation capability is achieved, but neurons can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical stimulation with optical stimulation using LED light. Optical stimulation is inherently safer for neurons because it does not involve high-intensity electrical fields that can cause electrochemical damage, tissue heating, or excitotoxicity. The light-based approach provides a non-invasive stimulation mechanism that preserves neuronal health while maintaining stimulation efficacy
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 solution enables accurate targeting and recording of individual or groups of neurons with high spatial resolution, reducing probe bulkiness and improving control over stimulation positions, while maintaining sufficient light intensity for effective neuronal stimulation and response recording.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting diode (LED) light source attached to the tip for providing neuron-affecting light at the tip
Implementation Method 2
one or more recording electrodes attached to the tip for receiving electrical responses to the neuron-affecting light
Data Source
AI summary
A neural probe is disclosed for optically stimulating or silencing neurons and recording electrical responses to the stimulus. Using patterning techniques, an integral optical waveguide may be fabricated on the probe for transmitting neuron-affecting light from a light source to a probe tip. The probe tip may include one or more electrodes to receive electrical responses from stimulated neurons for recording or further processing. According to various embodiments, the disclosed neural probes may utilize multiple light sources simultaneously, switch between multiple light sources, or utilize a single light source to stimulate or silence multiple neuron locations simultaneously via multiple probe tips or via multiple light-emitting sites located along the length of the probe. Neural probes are thereby provided that have sufficient spatial resolution to accurately target, stimulate, and record the reaction of neurons, or as few as a single neuron, utilizing a slim, compact structure.