A 100μm Scale Single Unit Neural Recording Probe Using IR-Based Powering and Communication

项目摘要/摘要 在这项研究方案中，我们提出了一种新的方法来记录和传输神经信号在水平 使用微米级分布式植入物的单个神经元称为微探针(MProbe)。完全无线和 大小为100x100微米的独立mProbe被注射到大脑蛛网膜下腔几乎无限的位置。 太空。为了实现无线供电和通信，我们采用了两步法，在硬膜外使用中继器 空间，它通过传统的感应链路与外部接收器进行无线通信，以及一种新型的近距离- 从中继器到mProbe的基于红外(NIR)的链路，用于无线供电和双向通信。这个 系统具有高度的可扩展性，允许数以万计的mProbe以100微米的紧密间距插入大脑。 中继器以保持精确的神经信号时序和空间的方式收集mProbe神经记录 通过码分多址(CSDMA)进行解析。每个中继器最多可容纳1500人 可以部署mProbe和数百个中继器阵列以覆盖大范围，并实现数十到100秒的 数以千计的录音地点。 建议方法的主要优势是：1)近红外发射器和接收器(LED和光伏二极管)可以扩展 与射频天线和超声换能器不同，它可以在保持效率的同时达到微米大小。2)通过启用全无线 电源和通讯连接我们实现了植入探头的机械隔离，从而减少了组织损伤 探头小腿附近长期脑微运动。3)取消传统上连接探头的导线 TO电子学降低了植入物的复杂性和感染和脑脊液渗漏等并发症的风险。

Project Summary / Abstract In this research proposal, we present a new approach for recording and transmitting neural signals at the level of single neurons using micron-scale distributed implants referred to as micro-probes (mProbes). Fully wireless and 100x100um in size, standalone mProbes are injected into the brain at nearly unlimited locations in the sub-arachnoid space. To enable wireless power and communication, we utilize a two-step approach with a repeater in the epidural space, which communicates wirelessly with an outside receiver through a conventional inductive link, and a novel near- infra-red (NIR) based link from the repeater to the mProbes for wireless powering and two-way communication. The system is highly scalable and allows tens-of-thousands of mProbes to be inserted in the brain on a tight 100um pitch. The repeaters collect the mProbe neural recordings in a manner that preserves precise neural signal timing and spatial resolution via code- and space-division multiple access (CSDMA). Each repeater can accommodate up to 1,500 mProbes and an array of hundreds of repeaters can be deployed to cover a large area and enable 10s to 100s of thousands of recording sites. Key advantages of the proposed approach are: 1) NIR transmitters and receivers (LEDs and PV diodes) can scale to um size while maintaining efficiency, unlike RF antennas and ultrasound transducers. 2) By enabling fully wireless power and communication links we achieve mechanical isolation of the implanted probe which reduces tissue damage near the probe shank from long-term brain micro-motion. 3) Elimination of wires that traditionally connect the probe to electronics reduces implant complexity and risk of complications such as infection and cerebrospinal leakage.