A Photothermal Modelling Approach for Micro-LED Arrays in Wireless Optogenetics

Abstract

Implantable LED light sources have received a lot of attention in the field of optogenetic neuromodulation. This type of light modulation enables effective stimulation of neurons. However, as optogenetics moves towards clinical trials, combinatorial photostimulation based on arrays of LED light sources has emerged. This approach inevitably brings about a large increase in transient temperature, resulting in the inability to achieve precise stimulation of cells. We designed a wireless optogenetic hardware system to realize the control of the stimulation mode and temperature of the light source array. At the same time, a set of combined photothermal physical model was established to simulate the photothermal response of the whole experiment. The physical model can effectively guide the wireless optogenetic hardware circuits to perform effective stimulation within a controlled temperature range. Our model provides a new technical approach for photothermal studies in optogenetic clinical trials.