Heterogeneously Integrated Optoelectronic Devices for Implantable Neural Interfaces

We present unconventional strategies to design and fabricate thin-film, microscale III-V based optoelectronic devices and use them in implantable systems for biomedical applications. Specifically, high performance light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and photodetectors are formed by epitaxial liftoff methods. The microscale devices are integrated onto flexible substrates and implanted into living animals for neurological signal sensing and stimulation. Implanted devices are wirelessly powered and controlled by a miniaturized circuit system. These devices are implanted deeply into the mouse brain, demonstrating close loop monitoring and manipulation of neural activity in vivo. Such an integrated, deeply implanted and microscale optoelectronic system provides new insights on interactions between optical signals and neural systems.