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Chisel-Tipped Microwire Arrays

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Microwire Arrays

One goal of good array production is to obtain an acceptable range of impedances across the entire array while maintaining precise electrode placement. Typically, manual wire cutting methods do not yield adequate results in these areas. Obtaining an acceptable range of impedances across the array is often a matter of trial and error, re-cutting the array until an acceptable range is achieved. Moreover, manual cutting methods displace the precisely placed electrodes and do not allow for independent control of wire lengths within the array.

To solve these problems, TDT has developed a method for laser cutting microwire arrays. Laser cutting produces consistent impedance and performance across the entire array without physically contacting the precisely positioned electrode tips. In addition, arrays can be cut to match the geometry of the neural target so that all recording sites are located within a single lamina of a curved cortex. The laser can also be used to cut the electrodes at a bias, forming points on the electrode tips that cut, rather than crush, neural tissue during array insertion. To speed the manufacturing process and eliminate handwork, the laser is also used to strip the polyimide insulation from the microwire.

Our manufacturing methods produce consistent, dependable, and affordable arrays while maintaining the flexibility to build custom arrays to your specifications. 

At the most fundamental level, multichannel recording can increase the data acquired from an individual animal by increasing the number of electrodes simultaneously accessing neural tissue. More importantly, simultaneously accessing a large population of neurons allows questions about higher brain function and functional connectivity to be addressed. TDT microwire arrays are designed to support and extend these types of multichannel investigations. With over 15 years of experience in manufacturing hardware for scientific applications, TDT has the resources to reliably deliver the arrays you depend on for your research.

Contact TDT for more information.