SMART MICRO CHIP BY SELECTIVE GROWN Si-MICROPROBE ELECTRODE ARRAY ON INTEGRATED CIRCUIT

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Study of nervous system by highly complex structures is a key problem in modern neuroscience. Understanding of nervous systems involves analysis of the great number of neurons in the tissue. Here we proposed a new electrode device, which is a high-density penetrating silicon (Si) microprobe electrode array, each with diameter similar to neuron, by selective Si growth using catalytic-gold (Au) and disilane (Si_2H_6) gas source. Diameter, position, and length of the Si probes were controlled. The diameter and density were reduced by 1/10, respectively, compared with previous microelectrodes. Low conductance of the probes was realized, and the mechanical strength of the probe was enough to withstand the neural penetration. In addition, the Si microprobes were fabricated on integrated circuits (IC), improving the performance of the electrode device. We also show the first neural recording demonstrated with a retina of carp (Cyrpinus carpio). Consequently, the Si probes recorded neural signals in the retina. In neuroscience, the Si microprobe array chip becomes an effective technique to provide accurate information from the neurons and allow understanding the mechanism of nervous system.