Optoelectronic Neural Probes

Optogenetics has been a transformational technique that allows specific populations of neurons in the brain to be controlled through light, with millisecond temporal resolution. This combination of genetics and photonics has allowed precise studies into neural circuit function in awake behaving animals. Here, we are developing the optoelectronic technologies and techniques that allow neuroscientists to examine the functional properties of genetically targeted populations of cells. These are needle-like probes with integrated µLED devices (for optogenetic control) and µ-electrodes for monitoring action potentials and local field potentials. This combination of control and readout of neural circuit activity is used by our collaborator Dr. Shuzo Sakata to examine brain states at the level of neural circuits.​

The IoP has been an international leader on the development of µLED technology, through Prof. Martin Dawson’s research. The Neurophotonics team continues to develop new optoelectronic devices for the control of novel opsins in vivo. ​

The EU-funded DEEPER project is a good example of this: here, we are working as part of a large consortium to develop new optical technologies and novel optogenetic constructs to study deep brain regions associated with disease states.

Optoelectronic Neural Probes

We microfabricate needle-like Si probes that incorporate µLEDs (a) and µ-electrodes (b,c). This allows spatiotemporal, optogenetic control (at the scale of individual neurons) while monitoring neural activity via electrophysiology.

Our Research Focus

We are currently using heterogeneous integration to micro-transfer print membrane µLEDs (a,b). This facilitates alternative semiconductor materials that emit at wavelengths targeted to activate particular optogenetic molecules. The neural probes integrate with a wireless system (c) that allows optogenetic stimulation and e-phys recordings in a light-weight package suitable for freely-behaving mouse experiments.

The Strathclyde funding for this research comes from the Royal Academy of Engineering through their Chair in Emerging Technology scheme and the DEEPER research project, funded from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation actions (RIA) scheme under grant agreement no. 101016787.

Neural Probe Publications:

Depth-specific optogenetic control in vivo with a scalable, high-density μLED neural probe

 

Optogenetic activation of neocortical neurons in vivo with a sapphire-based micro-scale LED probe

 

Thermal and optical characterization of micro-LED probes for in vivo optogenetic neural stimulation