Between Brain and Machine

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The development of the optrode array chip: a stepping stone towards the next generation of high-density, implantable brain/machine interface.

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Competitive advantage

  • Passively transducing the neural signals into the optical domain bypasses the problem of signal degradation and provides a scalable solution that could disrupt the way science thinks about brain/machine interfaces
  • Unprecedented resolution, coverage and throughput
  • Step-change in both clinical and research environments

Impact

  • The best approach to brain/machine interfaces suffers from serious limitations, in that their signal/noise degrades as the density of electrodes increases. An embeddable, conformal optics chip will provide a step-change in both clinical and research environments and enable the control of machines through the brain or the enhancement of human abilities.

Successful outcomes

  • Short-term: multi-optrode arrays (250 connections)
  • Mid-term: prosthesis control (5000-10,000 connections)
  • Long-term: machine control (1 million connections)

Capabilities and facilities

  • Access to exhaustive nano-fabrication facilities at the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF)
  • Full 3D finite-elements model of all opto-electronics aspects completed
  • Research team comprising 5 senior academics and a number of doctoral students

Our partners

  • Zedelef Pty Ltd
  • Preclinical testing facilities