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  KEYWORD

Microfabrication and validation of CMOS-compatible microelectrodes

estero Thesis abroad


keywords CMOS, MICROELECTRODES, NEURAL INTERFACE

Reference persons DANILO DEMARCHI, PAOLO MOTTO ROS

External reference persons Gian Luca Barbruni (gianluca.barbruni@epfl.ch)

Research Groups MiNES (Micro&Nano Electronic Systems — https://mines.polito.it)

Thesis type DESIGN AND EXPERIMENTS

Description Miniaturised and wirelessly powered devices are the future of implantable technology. The integration between CMOS-based electronics and neural interface (i.e., penetrating microelectrodes) is extremely challenging. Nowadays, microelectrodes are usually manually attached to the CMOS-pads. This method is user dependent, has low reliability and repeatability.

MINT-CMOS (Microelectrodes INTegrated with CMOS) is an innovative technology which enables the co-fabrication of the neural interface with the electronics. The innovative method is CMOS compatible, favoring wireless and ultra-miniaturised systems.

• Mechanical simulation of the microelectrode’s folding and insertion in a brain tissue.
• Designing and making of prototypes: cleanroom-based microfabrication of the microelectrodes following different design optimization parameters (i.e., thicknesses of the involved materials).
• Development of a method for reliable bending of the microelectrodes.
• Validation of the methodology by implanting the fabricated microelectrodes into agarose-based brain phantoms and/or in vivo.

• ICLAB - BCI group → https://www.epfl.ch/labs/iclab/index-html/bci-group/
• LNE → https://www.epfl.ch/labs/lne/
• MiNES group → https://mines.polito.it

Required skills • A graduate student with a MSc. or experience in microfabrication techniques, materials and
thin-film processes (i.e., photolithography, sputtering, PECVD, dry etching, grinding).
• Basic knowledge in neuroengineering and neural interfaces.
• Knowledge of 3D modelling/CAD systems (e.g., AutoCAD).
• Familiarity with mechanical simulations (e.g., COMSOL Multiphisics).
• Interest, Motivation, and Commitment to the project.

Notes • EPFL Workplace: Switzerland, Neuchâtel (Microcity) and Lausanne (CMi).
• Duration: 6 months internship starting from 01.02.2023 (possibility to start before).


Deadline 28/12/2023      PROPONI LA TUA CANDIDATURA




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