Piezo motor based microdrive for neural signal recording

The miniature piezo motor based microdrive which is applicable to the neural signal recording in mice is presented. The microdrive is manipulated by the micromotion of the mobile coupled to the piezo motor generating the flexural vibration within the range of 3.8 mm, with the resolution of 60nm. Advancement of electrodes in a mouse brain is monitored by an integrated MR (Magneto-Resistive) sensor. This microdrive has the length of 6.5mm, the width of 6.5 mm, the height of 12 mm and the total weight of 1.63 g only, including PCB for neural signal recording. The displacement of the microelectrode was evaluated and verified as applying the inputs with 5 to 100 pulses, 30 times to the piezo motor according to various driving voltages. The neural signals from the single thalamic neurons in an awake and freely moving mouse were recorded successfully with the presented microdrive.