How Chips Use On-Chip MicroLEDs for Neural Stimulation

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a cutting-edge application of on-chip microLED arrays: optogenetic neural stimulation. They dive into how these microscale light emitters are being integrated directly onto silicon chips to control neurons with unprecedented precision, potentially transforming treatments for Parkinson's disease, chronic pain, and spinal cord injuries. The discussion centers on a 2025 prototype from Imec that achieved single-neuron targeting with 10-micrometer microLEDs, and the engineering challenges of heat dissipation, biocompatibility, and wireless power. Lucas explains how the chip uses a CMOS backplane to individually address thousands of microLEDs, enabling complex spatiotemporal patterns of light. Luna raises the question of long-term tissue response and the road to clinical trials. The episode also touches on competing approaches like ultrasound and DBS, and what the next five years might look like for neural interfaces. #OnChipMicroLEDs #NeuralStimulation #Optogenetics #Imec #CMOS #Bioelectronics #NeuralInterface #ParkinsonsDisease #ChronicPain #SpinalCordInjury #DeepBrainStimulation #PrecisionMedicine #Biocompatibility #WirelessPower #MicroLEDArray #Technology #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo