Ultra-Low Power EEG Headband Based on Gold Nanowire Foam Electrode

Wearable electroencephalogram (EEG) systems are significant for brain activity monitoring across clinical and everyday applications. In this study, we present a lightweight, low-power EEG headband based on innovative gold nanowire foam (G-foam) electrodes, designed to ensure stable scalp contact and reliable signal acquisition. The system operates at the average current draw of 2.56 mA with a 3.7 V supply, which supports use in real-world environments. Lab evaluations, including impedance measurements, Steady-State Visually Evoked Potential (SSVEP) experiments, and alpha wave detection during eyes-closed states highlight its ability to capture both task-specific and resting-state EEG signals accurately. Comparative analysis shows a high correlation (r = 0.995) between the headband and polysomnography systems, underscoring their reliability. Its low-power design further supports applications in continuous monitoring scenarios, including sleep analysis, emotion recognition, and neurofeedback. This work demonstrates a meaningful step toward practical, accessible EEG solutions for diverse real-world applications.