Implantable devices for optical neural interfaces

Abstract

Optical neural control requires light delivery techniques dependent on the experimental goal and biological model. Several light sources and neural interfaces have been implemented featuring one or more of the following criteria: deep illumination, specific and/or comprehensive access, spectral control, temporal precision, high resolution patterning. We've developed 3D needle-type waveguide arrays as potentially compact neural interfaces for light transmission of as much as 90% of input light to depths >1mm in tissue; various experimental paradigms are easily accommodated as the arrays can be modified to project different illumination volumes at defined depths, wavelengths and patterns.