Wireless Optically-Powered Optoelectronic Sensors for Neural Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing technologies face challenges in measuring neural activities in moving animals, particularly in smaller organisms, due to residual motion between neurons and electrodes, and limitations in temporal resolution and depth penetration.
Innovation Solution
The development of wireless, optically powered optoelectronic sensors with opto-electronic circuitry that includes a photovoltaic module to convert light into electricity, a sensor module to detect target substances, and a light-emitting module to modulate output light and wirelessly transmit sensor signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tethered electrodes are used to monitor neural activities, then electrical signals can be recorded, but residual motion between neurons and electrodes occurs as the brain moves, limiting measurement ability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tethered electrode system with a wireless optically-powered sensor system. The sensor module converts optical energy to electrical energy to power neural recording without physical tethers, eliminating motion artifacts while maintaining measurement precision through wireless operation
2Ease of operation
If wireless sensors are used to eliminate tethers, then motion compatibility is improved, but power supply becomes a limiting factor
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module serves itself by converting ambient optical energy into electrical energy through the photovoltaic module. This self-powered approach eliminates the need for external power sources or batteries, enabling wireless operation while maintaining motion compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic module acts as an intermediary that converts optical energy from the environment into electrical energy to power the sensor. This energy conversion mechanism enables wireless operation without requiring physical power connections
3Reliability
If traditional wired sensors are used, then power supply is stable, but tissue damage and infection risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wired connections with optical energy transmission. The photovoltaic module captures optical energy wirelessly to power the sensor, eliminating physical penetrations that cause tissue damage and infection risks while maintaining reliable power supply
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 untethered, high-temporal-resolution recording of electrical signals from individual neurons without causing tissue damage, allowing for parallel monitoring of multiple sensors and simultaneous data transmission, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic module engaged to the substrate and structured to convert light into electricity
Implementation Method 2
a light-emitting module engaged to the substrate and coupled to receive power from the electricity generated by the photovoltaic module and to receive the electrical sensor signal from the sensor module. The light-emitting module is structured to produce output light that is modulated to carry the electrical sensor signal
Data Source
AI summary
The technology disclosed in this patent document can be used to construct devices with opto-electronic circuitry for sensing and identification applications, to provide untethered devices for deployment in living objects and other applications, and to provide fabrication techniques for making such devices for commercial production. As illustrated by specific examples disclosed herein, the disclosed technology can be implemented to provide fabrication methods, substrates, and devices that enable wireless, inorganic cell-scaled sensor and identification systems that are optically-powered and optically-readout.