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Optrode Array for Simultaneous Optogenetic Modulation and Electrical Neural Recording
Published on: September 1, 2022
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Deep-tissue light delivery via optrode arrays.
Tanya V F Abaya1, Mohit Diwekar1, Steve Blair2
1University of Utah, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 36 Wasatch Dr., Salt Lake City, Utah 84112.
Journal of Biomedical Optics
|January 11, 2014
Summary
Needle-type waveguides deliver light efficiently (>90%) deep into tissue for optogenetic and infrared neural stimulation. These waveguides minimize light loss, enabling precise targeted illumination for neuroscience research.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Optics
- Neuroscience Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Accurate light delivery is crucial for deep-tissue neural stimulation techniques like optogenetics.
- Existing methods face challenges with light scattering and attenuation in biological tissues.
- Needle-type waveguides offer a potential solution for efficient light propagation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the performance of needle-type waveguides for light delivery into deep tissues.
- To evaluate their efficiency for optogenetic and infrared neural stimulation.
- To determine light emission profiles and beam characteristics in tissue.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication and testing of needle-type optical waveguides.
- Measurement of light transmission efficiency at various tissue depths (>1 mm).
- Simulation and experimental validation of light attenuation and emission profiles in tissue.
- Characterization of beam width and divergence angle.
Main Results:
- Single optrode waveguides achieved up to 90% transmission efficiency.
- Effective light attenuation through waveguides was ~3 orders of magnitude lower than in tissue.
- Measured beam widths ranged from 70 to 150 μm with divergence from 13 to 40 degrees.
- Performance was validated across visible and near-infrared spectra.
Conclusions:
- Needle-type waveguides are highly effective for delivering light deep into biological tissues.
- Their low attenuation and controllable beam characteristics are suitable for targeted neural stimulation.
- These waveguides represent a significant advancement for optogenetic and IR stimulation applications.
