Thesis
µLED arrays for optogenetic cortical surface stimulation
- Creator
- Rights statement
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 2026
- Thesis identifier
- T18208
- Person Identifier (Local)
- 202164606
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- Cortical implants are a translational neurotechnology, already transforming the lives of patients with debilitating neurodegenerative conditions. One application of these devices are as a cortical stimulator to restore lost sensation, and specifically there is the possibility to restore lost hearing through stimulation of the auditory cortex, motivating the work in this thesis. Here, optogenetic cortical implants have been developed based on custom-fabricated arrays of 100 µLEDs (micro-light emitting diodes). These devices can deliver spatiotemporal optical stimulation across the surface of the cortex. A packaging process has been developed integrating the devices into flexible systems, enabling chronic implantation and stable monthslong experiments in the mouse model. Extensive laboratory characterisation and modelling has established an operational framework for the devices and validated them for long-term implantation. These devices have enabled in-vivo experiments with simultaneous optogenetic stimulation of the auditory cortex with electrophysiology recording, as well as behavioural experiments in freely-moving mice. These experiments have allowed a stimulation threshold and spatial resolution to be estimated for the devices, informing future experiments that integrate novel deep learning models for meaningful information transfer to the auditory cortex. Lastly, an electronic controller system was developed to drive the devices in-vivo, enabling experiments involving sophisticated spatio-temporal stimulation patterns and closed-loop control.
- Advisor / supervisor
- Mathieson, Keith, Dr.
- Resource Type
- DOI
Relations
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PDF of thesis T18208 | 2026-10-20 | Public | Download |