Modeling and Simulation of Optically Transparent Brain Computer Interfaces

The use of brain computer interfaces (BCIs) is crucial to the development of neural prosthetics and neuroscience. BCIs assist paralyzed patients by enabling them to control computers or robots using their neural activity. Optically transparent BCIs, combined with optical imaging modalities, enable simultaneous gathering of high-resolution electrophysiological signals and imaging of neural activities. In this work, we report the investigation of the mechanical behavior of an ultra-thin glass-based brain machine interface probe when subjected to various types of forces encountered during insertion and engagement into the brain tissues. Results of probe thickness optimization show that electrodes can be 25 µm thick while maintaining a factor of safety against failure > 1.