A new study led by Fu-Der Chen and colleagues presents a novel class of implantable silicon neural probes that integrate nanophotonic phased arrays to deliver precise, single-lobe beam-steering for optogenetic stimulation. Unlike traditional optical systems that suffer from scattering limitations in deep brain regions, these advanced neural probes generate targeted illumination patterns for enhanced spatial control of neural activation.
The researchers incorporated NeuroNexus microelectrode arrays alongside the photonic circuits, enabling simultaneous electrophysiological recordings and optogenetic stimulation in awake mice. This integration allowed for real-time monitoring of neural responses, validating the effectiveness of beam-steering probes in modulating circuit activity with high precision.
These findings lay the groundwork for next-generation neurotechnology, advancing spatially selective optogenetic tools for deep brain research.
