Development Of Flexible Based Electrode Arrays As A Neural Interface

Flexible electrode arrays are a crucial technology for neural interfaces. In this thesis, the continued development of a flexible based electrode array is discussed. Two types of strain relief are introduced into the leads to allow the base to deform like the spinal cord in a repeatable manner. The resulting sandwich and embedded lead configurations were characterized using a tensile tester. In addition, the base material was characterized after exposure to physiological solutions and a sterilization protocol. Results show that the sandwich lead configuration had properties that were better matched to those of the spinal cord tissue. Parametric finite element modelling was also performed to identify the effect of the base modulus after varying several properties associated with the base. The results of the modelling would help in the long term manufacturing of these flexible based electrode arrays.