Fully implantable low-power high frequency range optoelectronic devices for dual-channel modulation in the brain

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.