Fiber inspired neural probes

Abstract

Limitations in the currently available technology for neural probes impede our progress towards a comprehensive brain activity map. The lack of understanding the brain function leads to limited options for the treatment of neurological disorders. In this thesis, I employed a two-step thermal drawing process (TDP), widely used in fabrication of optical fibers, to create arrays of metal microelectrodes embedded in a polymer cladding. The pitch and size of the electrodes were determined on the macroscale and preserved during the TDP. I have applied these fiber-inspired probes to record spontaneous and stimulated neural activity in vivo.