Laser Driven Miniature Diamond Implant for Wireless Retinal Prostheses. Issue 11 (20th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ahnood, Arman; Cheriton, Ross; Bruneau, Anne; Belcourt, James A.; Ndabakuranye, Jean Pierre; Lemaire, William; Hilkes, Rob; Fontaine, Réjean; Cook, John P. D.; Hinzer, Karin; Prawer, Steven
• Is Part Of: Advanced biosystems. Volume 4:Issue 11(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-10-20
• Subjects: electronic -- implant -- laser -- photovoltaic -- retina; Biological systems -- Periodicals; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Bioengineering -- Periodicals; Biomedical engineering -- Periodicals; Biological Science Disciplines; Periodicals; Periodicals; 660.6
• DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000055
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2366-7478

Abstract

Abstract: The design and benchtop operation of a wireless miniature epiretinal stimulator implant is reported. The implant is optically powered and controlled using safe illumination at near‐infrared wavelengths. An application‐specific integrated circuit (ASIC) hosting a digital control unit is used to control the implant's electrodes. The ASIC is powered using an advanced photovoltaic (PV) cell and programmed using a single photodiode. Diamond packaging technology is utilized to achieve high‐density integration of the implant optoelectronic circuitry, as well as individual connections between a stimulator chip and 256 electrodes, within a 4.6 mm × 3.7 mm × 0.9 mm implant package. An ultrahigh efficiency PV cell with a monochromatic power conversion efficiency of 55% is used to power the implant. On‐board photodetection circuity with a bandwidth of 3.7 MHz is used for forward data telemetry of stimulation parameters. In comparison to implants which utilize inductively coupled coils, laser power delivery enables a high degree of miniaturization and lower surgical complexity. The device presented combines the benefits of implant miniaturization and a flexible stimulation strategy provided by a dedicated stimulator chip. This development provides a route to fully wireless miniaturized minimally invasive implants with sophisticated functionalities. Abstract : A retinal stimulator powered and controlled using light pulses is presented. Hosting a programmable controller, this highly miniatured wireless implant allows precision control of 256 stimulating electrodes over an area of 5.76 mm 2, with the aim of delivering high acuity vision. Housed in a diamond capsule, the implant features a transparent and bioinert window for optical power and data telemetry.