Bristle-sensors--low-cost flexible passive dry EEG electrodes for neurofeedback and BCI applications

J Neural Eng. 2011 Apr;8(2):025008. doi: 10.1088/1741-2560/8/2/025008. Epub 2011 Mar 24.

Abstract

In this paper, we present a new, low-cost dry electrode for EEG that is made of flexible metal-coated polymer bristles. We examine various standard EEG paradigms, such as capturing occipital alpha rhythms, testing for event-related potentials in an auditory oddball paradigm and performing a sensory motor rhythm-based event-related (de-) synchronization paradigm to validate the performance of the novel electrodes in terms of signal quality. Our findings suggest that the dry electrodes that we developed result in high-quality EEG recordings and are thus suitable for a wide range of EEG studies and BCI applications. Furthermore, due to the flexibility of the novel electrodes, greater comfort is achieved in some subjects, this being essential for long-term use.

MeSH terms

  • Biofeedback, Psychology / instrumentation*
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Brain Mapping / instrumentation*
  • Communication Aids for Disabled
  • Elasticity
  • Electrodes*
  • Electroencephalography / instrumentation*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Transducers*
  • User-Computer Interface*