High density, multifunctional neural probes for massively parallel read-out and control

This thesis work, carried out at Nanofabrication facility of the Molecular Foundry, a division of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), focuses in a Multidisciplinary project involving the optimization of several nano-fabrication processes of optical, electronical and mechanical parts of Multifunctional Optoelectronic Neural Probes aimed at high density parallel read-out and control of the central nervous system for in vivo experiments in rats. The probe consists on a micro tip able to sense and stimulate the brain tissue exploiting a set of electrodes for the read out and an optical system to selectively excite neurons with high temporal and spatial resolution. The work is focused on the optimization of the design and the fabrication of the electrical layer, on the etching processes, on the electroplating of metal as well as carbon based material. The results obtained show the possibility to integrate an optical and an electrical layer with good performances and reproducibility. The further optimization and development of such devices will open the possibility to study and understand the communication of neurons and different areas of the brain.