NeuroNexus is committed to continuous improvement to uphold the highest quality standards and ensure our customers remain at the forefront of scientific advancement. In 2017, driven by innovation, we introduced amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC) into specific probe designs that demanded longer implant times, leveraging its superior dielectric properties. For this reason, a-SiC is well-suited for the time spans typically required in chronic non-human primate studies.
By 2022, we had developed an in-house process to deposit a-SiC, subsequently replacing SiO2 across all silicon probes. This development was a result of our Phase I NIH SBIR initiative, titled “Advanced three-dimensional microscale electrode array for high-density volumetric neural interfacing.” Beyond serving as an exceptional insulator and boasting excellent biocompatibility—essential for chronic implants—a-SiC surpasses SiO2 with its higher breakdown voltage, important for stimulation, and higher fracture resistance.
Incorporating a-SiC into our probe technology marks a significant advancement in our pursuit of innovative neural interface solutions. This transition underscores our commitment to pushing boundaries in neural research, ensuring reliability and performance in long-term scientific investigations.