MicroLED neural probe for effective in vivo optogenetic stimulation

Abstract

The MicroLED probe enables optogenetic control of neural activity in spatially separated brain regions. Understanding its heat generation characteristics is important. In this study, we investigated the temperature rise (ΔT) characteristics in the brain tissue using a MicroLED probe. The ΔT strongly depended on the surrounding environment of the probe, including the differences between the air and the brain, and the area touching the brain tissue. Through animal experiments, we suggest an in situ temperature monitoring method using temperature dependence on electrical characteristics of the MicroLED. Finally, optical stimulation by MicroLEDs proved effective in controlling optogenetic neural activity in animal models.