Precise and Reliable Activation of Cortex with Micro-coils

Abstract

The optimization of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) will require the delivery of feedback signals to the somatosensory and/or proprioceptive cortices of the device user. Ultimately, the precision and reliability with which such signals can be delivered will underlie the quality and consistency of the information that can be conveyed. Unfortunately, the use of implantable micro-electrodes to deliver electrical signals directly into cortex has several fundamental limitations that limit their efficacy and can reduce their consistency over time. Magnetic stimulation from micro-coils overcomes these limitations, and so here, we describe the development of a cortically-implantable micro-coil and review some of the advantages of this approach.