Measurement of Signal-to-Noise Ratio in Neural Microelectrodes

Faculty Mentor Information

Dr. Kurtis D. Cantley Dr. David Estrada

Abstract

Signal noise has limited the performance and application of bioelectronics in areas such as neural interfaces and biosensors. Graphene, a two-dimensional hexagonal array of carbon atoms, shows promise as a material for bio-interface applications. This study explores the properties of graphene as a low-noise neural electrode material. Using glass-micropipette electrophysiology, signals are applied to solution-based microelectrode arrays and the response is precisely measured. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is characterized and analyzed using concepts from signal theory on several material systems. These include indium-tin-oxide, various metals deposited by sputtering and inkjet printing, as well as large-area chemical vapor-deposited (CVD) graphene. Our hypothesis is that the unique chemical and electronic properties of graphene increases charge transfer and therefore lowers interfacial impedance at the biological/solid state interface. This effect is expected to be accompanied by increased SNR.

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Poster #Th56

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Measurement of Signal-to-Noise Ratio in Neural Microelectrodes

Signal noise has limited the performance and application of bioelectronics in areas such as neural interfaces and biosensors. Graphene, a two-dimensional hexagonal array of carbon atoms, shows promise as a material for bio-interface applications. This study explores the properties of graphene as a low-noise neural electrode material. Using glass-micropipette electrophysiology, signals are applied to solution-based microelectrode arrays and the response is precisely measured. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is characterized and analyzed using concepts from signal theory on several material systems. These include indium-tin-oxide, various metals deposited by sputtering and inkjet printing, as well as large-area chemical vapor-deposited (CVD) graphene. Our hypothesis is that the unique chemical and electronic properties of graphene increases charge transfer and therefore lowers interfacial impedance at the biological/solid state interface. This effect is expected to be accompanied by increased SNR.