Fully Implantable Low-Power High Frequency Range Optoelectronic Devices for Dual-Channel Modulation in the Brain

Sensors (Basel). 2020 Jun 29;20(13):3639. doi: 10.3390/s20133639.

Abstract

Wireless optoelectronic devices can deliver light to targeted regions in the brain and modulate discrete circuits in an animal that is awake. Here, we propose a miniaturized fully implantable low-power optoelectronic device that allows for advanced operational modes and the stimulation/inhibition of deep brain circuits in a freely-behaving animal. The combination of low power control logic circuits, including a reed switch and dual-coil wireless power transfer platform, provides powerful capabilities for the dissection of discrete brain circuits in wide spatial coverage for mouse activity. The actuating mechanism enabled by a reed switch results in a simplified, low-power wireless operation and systematic experimental studies that are required for a range of logical operating conditions. In this study, we suggest two different actuating mechanisms by (1) a magnet or (2) a radio-frequency signal that consumes only under 300 µA for switching or channel selection, which is a several ten-folds reduction in power consumption when compared with any other existing systems such as embedded microcontrollers, near field communication, and Bluetooth. With the efficient dual-coil transmission antenna, the proposed platform leads to more advantageous power budgets that offer improved volumetric and angular coverage in a cage while minimizing the secondary effects associated with a corresponding increase in transmitted power.

Keywords: brain insertion device; flexible electronics; magnetic field enabled devices; toggle logic circuit; wireless optoelectronics.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Magnetics
  • Mice
  • Prostheses and Implants*
  • Radio Waves
  • Wakefulness
  • Wireless Technology*