Patent ID: 8774936
Filing Date: 2014-07-08
Classification: A61N,B82Y,H01L

Abstract:
1. A photoelectrical device for transmitting electrical signals to a neuron, the device comprising: one or more charging units configured for coupling to and stimulating one or more neurons by charge accumulation, the charging unit comprising: a nanostructure based-electrode having a surface, which has a predetermined developed surface area for coupling to a neuron and carrying a plurality of spaced-apart photosensitive regions comprising quantum dots including nanoparticles selected from Group II-VI semiconductors and III-V semiconductors, said photosensitive regions interfacing with biocompatible macromolecules for tuning the relative energy levels between the photosensitive regions and the electrode, as well as for directing the spatial polarity of charge separation; said surface of the nanostructure based-electrode being thereby electrically chargeable and dischargeable in response to light excitation of said photosensitive regions, the charges stimulating the neuron when coupled to said surface, and thus enabling the transmission of electrical signals to the neuron.