Dual-mode electronic and optogenetic visual cortical prosthetic

Neural prosthetics have shown promise in restoring sensory functions, yet achieving precise, energy-efficient neural control remains challenging. We present a novel dual-mode neural stimulation array integrating electrical and optogenetic stimulation for visual prostheses. This device is designed to achieve precise, low-power control of neural activity by exploiting the complementary advantages of electrical stimulation's rapid activation and optogenetics' cell-type specificity. The system incorporates closed-loop control, enabling simultaneous stimulation and recording of neural responses to provide real-time feedback for adaptive modulation of stimulation parameters. A key innovation of our design is the implementation of current steering techniques, which, when combined with a three-dimensional electrode array architecture, holds the potential for super-resolution neural control. Initial evaluations conducted in a saline environment have demonstrated the system's capability for reliable dual-mode stimulation and accurate neural signal acquisition.