Surface Acoustic Wave Chip for Real-Time Neuron Signal Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic transducers are large and incompatible with electrophysiological methods, leading to non-uniform sound fields and variable ultrasonic stimulation energy dependent on neuron position, making it difficult to achieve repeatable and real-time recording of neuron electric signals.
Innovation Solution
A real-time ultrasonic stimulation electric signal recording chip is developed by combining an interdigital electrode with a recording electrode, bonded with a PDMS cavity, using a piezoelectric substrate and insulation protection layers, to ensure uniform energy distribution and fixed neuron positioning for accurate signal recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a commercial ultrasonic transducer is used, then ultrasonic stimulation can be achieved, but the device volume becomes huge and is incompatible with electrophysiological recording means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ultrasonic transducer into segmented interdigital electrodes fabricated on a piezoelectric substrate. Instead of using a single large commercial transducer, the ultrasonic source is segmented into multiple electrode fingers that generate surface acoustic waves, dramatically reducing the device volume while maintaining ultrasonic stimulation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/commercial ultrasonic transducer with a piezoelectric-based surface acoustic wave generator. By using piezoelectric materials and interdigital electrodes, the system generates ultrasonic vibrations through electrical excitation, eliminating the need for bulky commercial transducers and enabling integration with electrophysiological recording systems
2Reliability
If a traditional ultrasonic transducer is used, then ultrasonic stimulation can be delivered, but the sound field is not uniform and stimulation energy varies with neuron position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by designing interdigital electrodes with specific geometric patterns (finger width, spacing, length) that are optimized to generate uniform surface acoustic waves in the target region. The electrode configuration is locally optimized to ensure uniform energy distribution across the recording area, addressing the non-uniform sound field problem of traditional transducers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the ultrasonic generation system, including electrode finger width, spacing, length, and excitation frequency, to optimize the surface acoustic wave generation. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves uniform sound field distribution and consistent stimulation energy across different neuron positions, resolving the variability issue of traditional transducers
3Measurement precision
If real-time recording of neuron electric signals under ultrasonic stimulation is achieved, then ultrasonic neuromodulation mechanism can be studied, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ultrasonic stimulation function (interdigital electrodes) and the electric signal recording function (recording electrodes) into a single integrated chip. By combining these two functions on one substrate, the system enables simultaneous or sequential ultrasonic stimulation and electrophysiological recording without requiring separate devices, thus managing complexity while achieving real-time measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional chip that can perform both ultrasonic neuromodulation and electrophysiological recording. The chip is designed with universal applicability for studying neural mechanisms, allowing it to deliver controlled ultrasonic stimulation while simultaneously recording electric signals from neurons, thereby enabling comprehensive mechanistic studies with a single device
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 chip enables real-time, multi-channel recording of neuron electric signals with consistent energy delivery, facilitating the study of ultrasonic neuromodulation mechanisms and ensuring experiment repeatability without increasing size, and allowing long-term signal recording.
Implementation Method 1
manufacturing an interdigital electrode on a piezoelectric substrate to obtain a surface acoustic wave chip
Implementation Method 2
manufacturing an interdigital electrode on a piezoelectric substrate to obtain a surface acoustic wave chip
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a real-time ultrasonic stimulation electric signal recording chip and a preparation method thereof, where the preparation method includes the following steps: S1 manufacturing an interdigital electrode on a piezoelectric substrate to obtain a surface acoustic wave chip, and manufacturing a recording electrode and an electrode lead; S2, manufacturing an insulation protection layer on the chip obtained in the S1, and processing the insulation protection layer to form the recording electrode, so as to obtain a chip combining the interdigital electrode and the recording electrode; S3, preparing a PDMS cavity; and S4, bonding the PDMS cavity prepared in the S3 and the chip obtained in the S2. In the present invention, combining the interdigital electrode generating a surface acoustic wave ultrasound with a multi-channel recording electrode, such that real-time recording of a multi-channel electric signal under ultrasonic stimulation is achieved.