Development of Si opto neural probe with embedded optical fiber enabling layer-by-layer optical stimulation in the brain

Abstract

Recently, optogenetics using a combination of techniques developed in the fields of optics and genetics has attracted much attention. Si neural probes with an optical stimulation function have been recently used for optogenetics. Although the Si neural probe with an optical fiber placed on the probe shank has been developed, severe damages to brain tissues were caused during probe insertion because of the protruding optical fiber.We have proposed and fabricated a less-invasive Si opto neural probe with embedded optical fiber enabling layer-by-layer optical stimulation in the brain. The optical fiber was embedded in a trench formed inside the probe shank, which causes less damages to tissues and enables the layer-by-layer light stimulation with mirror structure inside the trench. This Si opto neural probe with embedded optical fiber can be used as a versatile tool for optogenetics and brain science.