Reconfigurable Nanophotonics Platform for High Resolution Deep Brain Optical Stimulation

Dr. Aseema Mohanty, Columbia University

Goergen 101

Abstract:

Optogenetics has revolutionized the study of neural function and connectivity by using light to control the activation and inhibition of neural activity with millisecond precision. High spatial and temporal resolution deep-brain optical excitation would enable activation of specific neural populations and lead to more comprehensive studies of neural circuits that are currently not possible. The scalability and versatility of integrated nanophotonics could enable neural excitation over large areas with single-cell resolution on an implantable probe. However, active control of these optical circuits has yet to be demonstrated for visible wavelengths, including those specific to optogenetic excitation (400 – 600 nm). We will discuss an active nanophotonics platform enabling control of multiple beams for deep-brain neural stimulation. We show the ability to generate precise and repeatable complex spatiotemporal neural spike patterns in vivo with high spatial and temporal resolution using a fully packaged device inserted into the mouse brain.

Bio:

Aseema Mohanty was a Ph. D. student in Professor Michal Lipson’s group at Columbia University (formerly at Cornell University) in the Electrical Engineering Department, where she is now currently a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in the department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her undergraduate research focused on optoelectronic devices for renewable energy applications. Her graduate research has focused on expanding the capabilities of the nanophotonics platform for visible wavelength applications including mode-division multiplexing for quantum information systems and switching networks for optical neural interfaces. Aseema Mohanty was a recipient of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship.

Location:  Goergen 101

Refreshments will be served.