Novel Optrode Devices for Neuroscientists: Packaging and Waveguide Solutions to M

描述（由申请人提供）：本申请的目的是为神经科学家开发先进的光电电极解决方案，以实现光遗传技术的潜力-实现高度特异性的神经回路控制。一旦开发成功，神经科学家的光学刺激实验选择将扩展到两个维度，对记录点的位置没有限制。我们的方法开发了(i)针对当前困扰用户的封装问题的实用而新颖的解决方案，以及（ii）能够实现特定区域照明的定制波导，没有电子干扰，并且模块化集成到任何现有的NeuroNexus记录阵列上。作为晶圆级集成的替代方案，我们设计了一种通过提高良率来降低成本的方法，同时增加了设计选项。这个项目将进一步发展光生技术，它已经显示出极好的前景，作为工具，允许在时间上精确，非侵入性地控制明确定义的神经元群体的活动。这种对神经放电的控制程度允许在电路动力学的背景下对时间活动模式进行特定的监测，理解由于可塑性引起的变化，以及对行为和外部线索的反应，这对研究疾病模型也至关重要。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The objective of this application is to develop advanced optrode solutions for neuroscientists that fulfill the potential of optogenetic technology-achieving highly specific neural circuit control. Once developed, the neuroscientist's experimental options for optical stimulation will grow to two dimensions with no limits on the recording site placement. Our approach develops (i) practical, yet novel solutions for the packaging issues currently plaguing users, and (ii) custom waveguides capable of region-specific illumination with no electrical artifact, and is modularly integrated onto any existing NeuroNexus recording array. As an alternative to wafer- level integration, we have devised an approach that lowers cost by improving yield while increasing design options. This project will further optogenic techniques, which have shown excellent promise as tools that allow temporally precise, non-invasive control of activity in well- defined neuronal populations. This degree of control over neural firing allows specific monitoring of temporal activity patterns in the context of circuit dynamics, understanding changes due to plasticity, and responses to behavior and external cues, which is critically important for studying disease models as well. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The objective of this application is to develop advanced optrode solutions for neuroscientists that fulfill the potential of optogenetic technology-achieving highly specific neural circuit control. Once developed, the neuroscientist's experimental options for optical stimulation will grow to two dimensions with no limits on the recording site placement. Our approach develops (i) practical, yet novel solutions for the packaging issues currently plaguing users, and (ii) custom waveguides capable of region-specific illumination with no electrical artifact, and is modularly integrated onto any existing NeuroNexus recording array. As an alternative to wafer- level integration, we have devised an approach that lowers cost by improving yield while increasing design options. This project will further optogenic techniques, which have shown excellent promise as tools that allow temporally precise, non-invasive control of activity in well- defined neuronal populations. This degree of control over neural firing allows specific monitoring of temporal activity patterns in the context of circuit dynamics, understanding changes due to plasticity, and responses to behavior and external cues, which is critically important for studying disease models as well.