The proposed effort will use modern integrated wavelength division multiplexing to minimize the amount of external points of interface needed by optical probes while maximizing the total points of optical stimulation on an augmented electrophysiological neural recording probe. Array waveguide grating demultiplexers will be fabricated on neural probes and will be used to segregate multiple optical signals passed over a common fiber. The improvement of optical channel density will allow for more precise stimulation of local nuclei, enable high spatial and temporal multiplexing of selective stimulation of neurons and will allow for more flexibility when implanting neural probes. To allow for individual or multiple channels to be activated, the authors will build a ?polychromator? which will utilize a grating to separate spectral components from a broadband light source and project the spectrum onto a digital mirror device (DMD), similar to those found in digital projectors. Since the spectral information will be encoded spatially, spectral bands can be selected using the DMD by activating or deactivating columns of pixels. The resulting spectral bands will be collimated and used to provide a source with carefully controlled and manipulated spectral bands, allowing for direct spatial control of the stimulus through on-probe demultiplexing.

Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2013-04-01
Budget End
2016-03-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$386,536
Indirect Cost
Name
California Institute of Technology
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Pasadena
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
91125