A Novel Neural Probe for Simultaneous Electrical Recording and Local Thermal Control in Sleep Spindle Oscillation Studies

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Slow wave sleep may have a role in memory consolidation [1]. To understand better the temperature dependent changes of its parameters it is necessary to use invasive methods instead of common surface observation. In the following we introduce a novel single crystalline silicon-based, MEMS microelectrode – named thermoelectrode – which is able to record deep brain multiunit activity and local brain temperature simultaneously by 4- or 8-channel platinum recording sites and resistance thermometer respectively. These functionalities are located on the same electrode shaft within tens of μm-s, so the results are from a very close volume while minimizing brain tissue damage as well. Further advantage is the simple extension of the fabrication process as it does not need additional technological steps. After we present the technology we display fulfilled results made by our thermoelectrodes. Not only bench top calibration but in vivo validation as well.