Fiberoptic array for multiple channel infrared neural stimulation of the brain.

Mykyta M Chernov,Robert M Friedman,Anna W Roe

doi:10.1117/1.nph.8.2.025005

Mykyta M Chernov, Robert M Friedman + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1117/1.nph.8.2.025005

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Journal: Neurophotonics	Publication Date: Apr 22, 2021
Citations: 8	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Oregon National Primate Research Center

Abstract

.Significance: We present a new optical method for modulating cortical activity in multiple locations and across multiple time points with high spatial and temporal precision. Our method uses infrared light and does not require dyes or transgenic modifications. It is compatible with a number of other stimulation and recording techniques.Aim: Infrared neural stimulation (INS) has been largely confined to single point stimuli. In this study, we expand upon this approach and develop a rapidly switched fiber array capable of generation of stimulus patterns. Our prototype is capable of stimulating at nine separate locations but is easily scalable.Approach: Our device is made of commercially available components: a solid-state infrared laser, a piezoelectric fiber coupled optical switch, and diameter optical fibers. We validate it using intrinsic optical signal imaging of INS responses in macaque and squirrel monkey sensory cortical areas.Results: We demonstrate that our switched array can consistently generate responses in primate cortex, consistent with earlier single channel INS investigations.Conclusions: Our device can successfully target the cortical surface, either at one specific region or multiple points spread out across different areas. It is compatible with a host of other imaging and stimulation modalities.

Highlights

Over the past two decades, there has been considerable interest in the development of optical methods to supplement traditional electrophysiological techniques in brain machine interfaces and for basic science applications.[1]
We demonstrate that our switched array can consistently generate responses in primate cortex, consistent with earlier single channel infrared neuronal stimulation (INS) investigations
Our device can successfully target the cortical surface, either at one specific region or multiple points spread out across different areas. It is compatible with a host of other imaging and stimulation modalities

Summary

Introduction

Over the past two decades, there has been considerable interest in the development of optical methods to supplement traditional electrophysiological techniques in brain machine interfaces and for basic science applications.[1] For example, optogenetics has revolutionized neuroscience by allowing one to target specific neuronal populations,[2] whereas genetically expressed calcium sensors enable one to study circuit dynamics in vivo at the level of a single cell.[3,4] One major development has been the use of patterned illumination to target multiple regions across the brain, opening up the possibility to interact dynamically with the flow of information rather than target a single point or brain region.[5] In this paper, we extend the possibility of multi-spot stimulation to another optical technique: infrared neuronal stimulation (INS).[6] INS relies on the use of brief pulses of infrared light to modulate neural activity via thermally induced changes in membrane capacitance, which in turn produce action potentials.[7,8] Additional modulatory effects due to a change in ion channel properties have been hypothesized as well.[9] The chosen wavelength, near one of the absorption peaks of water (e.g., 1.875 or 2.12 μm), is usually delivered

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