title: An implantable, miniaturized SU-8 optical probe for optogenetics-based deep brain stimulation.
abstract: This paper reports a method of making optical probes for optogenetics-based deep brain optical stimulation using SU-8, which effectively increases light coupling efficiency, has excellent mechanical stiffness, and reduces fabrication complexity. By mounting microscale LEDs (μLEDs) at the tip of a SU-8 probe and directly inserting the light source into deep brain regions, attenuation caused by light transmission in wave-guided structures such as optical fibers or optrodes can be minimized. Compared to silicon neural probes, SU-8 is more biocompatible and flexible, which can reduce brain damage. Parylene-C encapsulation can potentially improve the long-term biocompatibility and reliability of the device for chronic implantation. The functionality has been proven by clearly light-induced neural activity.
authors.forename: Bin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fan
authors.forename: Ki Yong
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.forename: Arthur J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.forename: Wen
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D046690:Deep Brain Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004852:Epoxy Compounds; D062308:Optogenetics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011108:Polymers; D019736:Prostheses and Implants
chemical_list: D004852:Epoxy Compounds; D011108:Polymers; C520895:SU-8 compound